Help preserve our resources and protect future generations,
fund ZDHC Projects to detox the fashion and footwear supply chain.
ZDHC envisions a toxic-free future in fashion and footwear for our consumers, workers and the environment. We are working with leading NGOs, policymakers and public institutions to challenge the industry together.
Existing and aligned global frameworks can achieve considerably more than clustered regulations. ZDHC is accepted and policed by global brands to drive collective impact. For our stakeholders at brands, manufacturers and chemical suppliers, we guide the industry towards implementing a seamless chemical management framework until this shared future is a reality.
We address the source of the problem, re-engineer the entry point to production, and evolve the product creation process until safer, economically viable and sustainable solutions can be offered at scale. To foster the innovation that preserves our planet, we are looking for your funding to research, develop and pioneer future-embracing solutions.
Thriving Brand & Retailer community, covering the global fashion & footwear industry
5.200+ facilities, targeting to grow to 12.000 over the next 3 years
1.400+ chemical manufacturers
The Roadmap to Zero Programme publishes global guidelines to drive large-scale industry-wide implementation
The ZDHC Implementation HUB provides extensive implementation tools & solutions
Supplier to Zero programme offers solutions, training and experts.
The ZDHC Gateway includes nearly 46.000 safer alternative chemical products
Brand & Retailer community, covering a large percentage of of the global fashion & footwear industry
Our Global Textile industry includes 5.200+ facilities, targeting to grow to 12.000 over next 3 years
Over 1.4000 chemical manufacturers from the global Chemical industry have joined ZDHC today
The ZDHC Gateway includes nearly 46.000 safer alternative chemical products
The Roadmap to Zero Programme publishes global guidelines
The ZDHC Implementation HUB provides extensive implementation tools & solutions
Supplier to Zero programme offers solutions, training and experts.
Sustainable chemistry has moved to the very top of the European Commission agenda and policymakers worldwide, as well as the investment community.
Sustainability undoubtedly remains the top priority for the coming years and with increasing urgency. Starting this year, new regulations related to due diligence and governance in the supply chain will become mandatory in the European Union, applicable to global supply chain. As a natural effect, the EU chemicals strategy is becoming an integrated part of the Green Deal.
The Brands and Apparel sectors sit firmly at the nexus of growing demand from customers, governments, and investors to address material ESG externalities across the value chain.
As the leading initiative in sustainable chemical management for the apparel and footwear industry, ZDHC will further advance implementation and continue to drive a positive conjoint impact on our planet’s interest and society’s well-being.
ZDHC has identified the following key projects and areas which match the DNA of ZDHC, as well as market needs, to work collaboratively via funding and investment support from organisations including philanthropic, governmental, public institutions, development agencies and financial investment institutions.
Sustainable Chemistry has moved to the very top of the European Commission agenda and policymakers worldwide, as well the investment community.
Case studies from funded ZDHC Projects show
the successes of collaborating with ZDHC across the globe.
Waterways and habitats surrounding factories are most at risk to the harmful effects of wastewater. Toxic compounds in the effluent can seriously disrupt our aquatic ecosystems.
The ZDHC Gateway - Wastewater Module is the first global web disclosure platform to increase data transparency and -accuracy between stakeholders. The ZDHC platform centralizes verified data on wastewater testing performed by ZDHC Accredited Laboratories, in line with the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines.
Enabling widespread adoption of good chemical management systems, policies and procedures, the ZDHC gateway leads to greater engagement, understanding and support of the ZDHC vision. Today, ZDHC Gateway – Wastewater Module hosts 4.800+ Supplier accounts and published over 8.000 wastewater test reports.
The project, funded by C&A Foundation (now known as Laudes Foundation) in 2016. Six outcomes, identified by the grant, were successfully performed over the course of four years:
Changing an industry and adopting better production practices does not happen overnight, even if technical solutions seem to be within reach.
The process of substituting DMFa, like many other restricted substances, requires a mindshift. This project shows that collaborative efforts, open communication and stakeholder engagement brings lasting sustainable change to an industry.
DMFa (Dimethylformamide) is a volatile organic compound with links to reproductive toxicological issues. The solvents are used in plastics, rubber, and polyurethane coating and do not only create a strong odor in finished products, they are harmful properties subject to regulatory action restricting their use and allowed concentration levels. It is therefore listed in product restricted substances lists (P-RSL) and assessed in final product testing.
To highlight the need for safer alternatives, DMFa became a ‘candidate’ on the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (ZDHC MRSL 2:0). Following REACH legislation, the ZDHC Foundation led an innovation project for sustainable and safer PU production to phase out the use of DMFa. The project was conducted in China and established a new protocol which could be replicated globally.
The pilot project started in early 2017 and upon its completion in September 2020, ZDHC hosted an InConnect digital meeting to discuss its final results & outcome. Over 25 global brands participated, of which a majority confirmed to implement or plan to implement strategies on DMFa-substitution.
From a consumer’s perspective, the finishing product remains unchanged. For producers it is a reliable sign that brands’ commitments are put into action.
Cristina Ameijenda Marcos
Stakeholder Manager
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