The first part of the system, the CMS Framework, was released last May, outlining the minimum requirements of a CMS. The Technical Industry Guide supports the practical part of implementation within the supply chain. 

Prasad Pant, South Asia director of ZDHC, said: “The ZDHC CMS Technical Industry Guide is our effort to provide simplistic, structured and practical guidelines to manufacturing facilities to develop their system to manage chemicals to fit their operations and needs, aligned with the ZDHC CMS Framework. 

“Brands, as well as auditors, should use the document to harmonise the expectations of a ZDHC CMS and adopt it as the standardised industry approach to facilitate its implementation by suppliers."

Jimmy Summers, vice-president of environment, health, safety and sustainability at Elevate Textiles, said: "The guide will provide the basis on which we will be able to ensure that our chemical management system meets and exceeds industry standards, and from this basis, we will continue to drive improvements. I see this document as essential guidance for all textile manufacturing facilities around the world."

The ZDHC academy will announce training at later date, and will host webinars to introduce the guidelines.

The ZDHC Foundation manages the Roadmap to Zero Programme with the aim of phasing out hazardous chemicals in the textile, apparel, footwear and leather value chain by promoting safer chemistry and driving innovation. It has more than 160 contributors and is headquartered in Amsterdam.

Sportswear-focused members of the ZDHC include Puma, Nike, adidas, New Balance and Li-Ning.

Photo credit: Thisisengineering on Unsplash