ZDHC impact report marks a decade of growth
Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC), the multi-stakeholder group that aims to lead the industry towards zero discharge of hazardous chemicals by 2020, has released its first impact report, highlighting work over the past decade.
The company said a firm foundation has been built for the industry to advance towards the phase-out of hazardous chemicals. “We’ve demonstrated the feasibility of reaching our goal,” said ZDHC programme director Scott Echols. “By expanding the focus of chemical management from outputs to inputs – from product safety to production safety – we are detoxing the value chain.”
The report was launched at the 5th ZDHC annual meeting and has marked a decade of growth for the group, supporting transformation in the fashion, apparel and footwear industries.
Highlights of the report include:
- Tangible improvements in safer chemical management through the value chain, using solutions and guidelines such as ZDHC Gateway-Chemical and Wastewater Modules; with wastewater testing showing significant reductions in the discharge of hazardous chemicals into the environment.
- Industry focus shifting from products and RSL testing to managing input chemistry, through ZDHC’s Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (ZDHC MRSL).
- Wastewater testing showing significant reductions with the discharge of hazardous chemical into the environment, with a reported 98% of hazardous chemicals no longer being intentionally used.
- The ZDHC community growing from 6 inaugural brands to over 150 contributors.
- ZDHC has pledged to continue driving sustainable chemistry further into the value chain, with its main focus areas over the next 10 years already being identified.
To view the report, visit www.roadmaptozero.com/impact-report
