Input
process
Output


Sampling & Analysis Plan

Continuous improvement of sampling and testing data

In the spirit of continuous improvement, the ZDHC Wastewater and Sludge Laboratory Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) will be reviewed on a regular basis and revised as needed to incorporate learnings and opportunities identified during the practical application and implementation of these procedures. 

All ZDHC Accepted Laboratories must refer to the current versions of both the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines and the SAP when conducting sampling and testing/analysis, as both documents complement one another.


Apply to become a ZDHC Accepted Laboratory here.
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ZDHC Wastewater Update Principles and Procedures

The ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines is a living document, and changes will need to be made as new innovations and data, such as, updates to the MRSL and conventional parameters, improvements in sampling methods, new data on substances, become available.

It is vital that ZDHC is transparent and inclusive in the decision making process when actioning these updates, reviewing proposals from the ZDHC Committed Community in a set procedure detailed in this document.

All ZDHC Accepted Laboratories must refer to the current versions of both the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines and the SAP when conducting sampling and testing/analysis, as both documents complement one another.

Key features of the document are:
  1. Transparent revision process: The document provides a detailed overview of the revision process, including the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders. This transparency enables industry players to actively contribute to the development and improvement of the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines.
  2. Collaborative effort: The "Wastewater Principles and Procedure" document emphasises the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. It encourages engagement through hackathons, towns halls, focus groups, advisory groups and expert reviews, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered during the revision process.
  3. Science and risk-based revision approach: ZDHC advocates a scientific approach to the Wastewater Guidelines review that is why there is emphasise on the role of the Wastewater Council and the support ZDHC Water SME offers throughout the process.
  4. Continuous improvement: ZDHC recognises that sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement. The document highlights the iterative nature of the Wastewater Guidelines, allowing for regular updates based on emerging science, technological advancements, and industry best practices.

The update of the Wastewater Guidelines also includes the revision of the Candidate List where the industry will find proposed new parameters, limits, issues of concern to wastewater quality that may be considered for the next update to the WW Guidelines to work on innovations and be prepared to face these new upcoming challenges.

By having a set procedure it ensures that a timely dependable cycle of review is carried out, ensuring an efficient use of ZDHC resources.


ZDHC Accepted Testing Laboratories

Ensuring consistent, accurate testing data

ZDHC acceptance means that a laboratory has the personnel, equipment and processes in place to analyse wastewater and sludge samples. It does NOT however offer any assurance that data will be acceptable for any given sample. That can only be assured by examination of the associated quality control samples.

How to become a ZDHC Accepted Testing Laboratory

  • Complete and submit your application form
  • ZDHC reviews your application and may contact you seeking more information
  • If ZDHC grants an acceptance status, you sign the official acceptance letter
  • If ZDHC does not grant an acceptance status, feedback will be provided  
  • ZDHC provides improvement guidance as necessary
  • You can conduct wastewater and sludge sampling and testing according to the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines
  • A ZDHC Gateway - Wastewater Module account is created for your laboratory
  • You start submitting test results in the ZDHC Gateway on behalf of suppliers

ZDHC Accepted Testing Laboratories
Review the latest list here.

Apply to become a ZDHC Accepted Laboratory here.
Click here
The standard for wastewater and sludge testing

Large amounts of freshwater are often used to manufacture and process apparel, textile and footwear products. At the end of the production line, wastewater gets released. If that's not properly treated, it poses a threat to the environment and human health. 

Making wastewater cleaner has generally been a big task for every brand and supplier involved. ZDHC encourages the industry to take a collaborative approach in tackling challenges, as part of a joint ambition to improve the quality of discharged wastewater and sludge.  

Together with leading brands, suppliers, academia, testing laboratories, technology providers, and other stakeholders, we created comprehensive, unified ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines. These Guidelines provide a harmonised set of wastewater and sludge parameters, limit values and test methods. They help brands and suppliers work to the same set of expectations. 

These are the first guidelines to define pass and fail criteria for hazardous chemicals covered in the ZDHC MRSL. The standards in these guidelines cover conventional wastewater parameters while also going beyond regulatory compliance.

For suppliers wishing to share the outcome of testing with multiple brands, the ZDHC Gateway – Wastewater Module makes that entire process easier. The Gateway is a global web-based platform for sharing verified data on wastewater and sludge testing.

These Guidelines were created to expand the scope to include the leather industry, and are an addition to the current ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines Version 1.1. They were developed in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders from the leather industry including manufacturers, brands, chemical suppliers and laboratories. 

These ZDHC Leather Wastewater Guidelines must be read in conjunction with ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines Version 1.1 and the instructions given in sections 9.0-16.0 must be followed. Sections 9.0-16.0 apply to textiles and leather, and describe the requirements for sampling, testing and reporting into the ZDHC Gateway, as well as conformance to the Guidelines. The ZDHC Leather Wastewater Guidelines are a list of conventional and Manufacturing Restricted Substances List parameters, and their limits specific to wastewater discharged from leather manufacturing processes.

These Guidelines were created to expand the scope to include the leather industry, and are an addition to the current ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines Version 1.1. They were developed in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders from the leather industry including manufacturers, brands, chemical suppliers and laboratories. 

These ZDHC Leather Wastewater Guidelines must be read in conjunction with ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines Version 1.1 and the instructions given in sections 9.0-16.0 must be followed. Sections 9.0-16.0 apply to textiles and leather, and describe the requirements for sampling, testing and reporting into the ZDHC Gateway, as well as conformance to the Guidelines. The ZDHC Leather Wastewater Guidelines are a list of conventional and Manufacturing Restricted Substances List parameters, and their limits specific to wastewater discharged from leather manufacturing processes.

The global platform for sharing wastewater data

Large quantities of water are often used as part of production processes. At the end of the production line, wastewater gets released. If that's not properly treated, it poses a threat to the environment.

Making wastewater cleaner has generally been a big task for every brand, supplier and laboratory involved. Repeated testing, high costs and inefficiencies are just some of the hurdles faced by the industry.

The ZDHC Gateway – Wastewater Module makes the entire process easier and more transparent. It's a global web-based platform for sharing verified data on wastewater and sludge testing.

Wastewater tests are done by ZDHC Accredited Laboratories, in line with ZDHC standards, so results are verified and trustworthy. The results can then be found by all parties at one central place, in the ZDHC Gateway - Wastewater Module. All of this shared information also increases transparency throughout the industry.

How Brands Benefit

To monitor and report on their efforts to provide safer products, brands need visibility on environmental impacts across their entire value chain. They need to feel confident about the validity of wastewater data their suppliers present to them.

This has traditionally been a complicated, data intensive task. Supplier information and test results come from different sources. The format and timing of this data also varies, creating an information overload that's difficult to handle.

The ZDHC Gateway gives brands a place to track and monitor the output performance of different suppliers at the same time, and according to the same standards. That means making a clear comparison is much easier.

The ZDHC Gateway – Wastewater Module provides a solution by helping brands to:

  • Select suppliers on the Gateway rather than having to research elsewhere
  • Save labour costs by partnering with registered suppliers
  • Increase capacity to source sustainably and address wastewater contamination
  • Quickly and easily provide other stakeholders with reliable, verified data
  • Obtain insights to inform procurement decisions and further mitigation work
  • Eliminate the burden of capturing and comparing test data
  • Strengthen relationships across the value chain
  • Demonstrate progress and transparency in meeting ZDHC commitments

How Suppliers Benefit

Suppliers (manufacturing facilities) that test their wastewater also face challenges. Providing information to the brands they supply is not always easy. They can be overwhelmed by the administrative burden of answering requests for test results.

Such requests often come in varying formats at different times. Across the entire customer base, this quickly becomes a time-consuming effort.

The ZDHC Gateway - Wastewater Module lets suppliers share secured, verified test results with all customers. All test results are accessible in one place, so it's no longer necessary to repeat the same tests for different customers. Additionally, suppliers get to understand the quality of the wastewater they discharge to the environment through the ClearStream report.

This saves time and resources, and frees suppliers to focus on actually improving the quality of discharged water. The ZDHC Gateway – Wastewater Module helps to:

  • Reduce the need to respond to individual requests for data
  • Easily give customers reliable, verified data
  • Streamline the process of uploading test results
  • Get clear insights on water inputs and outputs
  • Enhance the ability to identify hazardous discharge
  • Increase business opportunities

How Laboratories Benefit

Laboratories that test wastewater discharge can find it an administrative burden to respond to continuous requests for results. The ZDHC Gateway – Wastewater Module helps by providing a place to manage and publish test results via one web-based tool.

Customers can easily review test results and share them with their stakeholders. This enables labs to focus on other priorities, while increasing transparency throughout the industry. The ZDHC Gateway – Wastewater Module helps to:

  • Eliminate the need to respond to individual requests
  • Share information rapidly
  • Enhance customer interactions

ZDHC ClearStream

The globally-accepted wastewater quality report for the industry

Suppliers in the industry find it challenging to interpret and communicate wastewater test results. ZDHC ClearStream is the universally accepted wastewater report that makes things clearer. It makes lab test reports more understandable. That helps suppliers to demonstrate their wastewater performance, according to Wastewater Guidelines, to the brands they serve.

A ZDHC ClearStream report can be generated from any verified, published wastewater test results on the ZDHC Gateway. These results are uploaded to the ZDHC Gateway - Wastewater Module by a growing number of ZDHC Accepted Laboratories worldwide. A ClearStream report is downloadable in pdf format and is accessible directly by the brands on the ZDHC Gateway.

The report shows wastewater performance in the context of the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines. It also provides some guidance on opportunities to improve. ZDHC ClearStream reports highlight:

  • Wastewater performance in line with the ZDHC methodology
  • Opportunities for improvement
  • Detailed results from ZDHC Accepted Laboratory test reports in the context of the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines and scoring methodology

The ZDHC ClearStream report will be digitally signed by ZDHC, proving authenticity and demonstrating transparency with reliable, verified wastewater data.

ClearStream gives suppliers a way to understand and communicate their laboratory’s wastewater test results. By doing so it helps them to position as a leader in striving for environmental protection.

More info.

The Public Disclosure Portal

This portal provides a global picture of performance with regard to the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines. In this international supply chain overview, a map highlights where manufacturing facilities meet the requirements of the Wastewater Guidelines, Table 2A-N (MRSL Parameters). Where requirements are not met, it shows if corrective action has been put in place.

There are two types of data within it, verified and unverified.

Verified data

This is wastewater testing data that's directly uploaded by ZDHC Accepted Laboratories under the ZDHC wastewater and sludge testing programme.

ZDHC Accepted Laboratories have been reviewed by ZDHC technical staff to ensure they have the technical ability in the appropriate testing analytes. The laboratories quality assurance programme is also reviewed. 

Unverified data

This is wastewater data provided by third parties. Such wastewater testing may be conducted by any laboratories, where ZDHC has not necessarily reviewed their testing capability or quality assurance programme.

What kind of wastewater test data is disclosed?

Anonymised, aggregated, colour coded wastewater testing data per facility pertaining to ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines Table 2A-N (MRSL Parameters).

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Complementing the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines

The ZDHC Wastewater Treatment Technologies document compliments the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines. It’s used all across the supply chain as guidance to implement those guidelines. 

Wastewater treatment is a complex process, so help may be needed to put the Wastewater Guidelines into action. ZDHC hopes that this technical overview of wastewater treatment technologies, in combination with regional training programmes and other relevant references, will help the supply chain to close the knowledge gap. 

The guidelines can also motivate wet processing facilities and elevate their knowledge to implement the necessary treatment systems needed to meet ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines requirements. This will help improve the overall quality of wastewater discharge throughout the apparel, textile and footwear industry.

An important element of the value chain

Fibres are an important part of the value chain. Therefore it’s a logical next step for ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme to include fibre production processes and their raw materials. In 2018, the scope of the Programme extended to include the production of Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF). This is the first fibre production area included in the Programme. More materials will be added in the future.

Global viscose production is growing fast, which is why the initial focus is on Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF; including viscose, modal and lyocell). MMCFs are produced from natural feedstock like wood or plants, using hazardous chemicals. Within the production process of viscose and modal, particularly where that’s not an integrated (closed loop) process, chemicals react with the cellulose. This creates by-products, which can be released into the air, water and soil, so we’ve been working to tackle the issue.

An 2018 industry expert report commissioned by ZDHC concluded that restricting chemicals via the ZDHC MRSL approach would not work. The restrictions would halt most MMCF production processes. We would achieve most impact by collaboratively setting guidance around good chemical management and limits for wastewater, sludge, and air emissions during fibre production. At the same time ZDHC can continue researching MMCF production processes using less hazardous chemicals.

In March 2018, ZDHC hosted the first multi-stakeholder MMCF roundtable with representatives from approximately 80% of the global MMCF production. Several ZDHC Signatory Brands attended, including C&A, Coop Switzerland, Esprit, Inditex, H&M, M&S, Primark, PVH Corp and F&F, as well as Value Chain Affiliates Lenzing Group, BIRLA CELLULOSE, Sateri, Canopy, Textile Exchange, Bluesign and the China Chemical Fibers Association (CCFA), the Collaboration for Sustainable Development of Viscose (CV) and the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles. 

The roundtable agreed that ZDHC should lead a collaboration to develop a framework of guidelines for wastewater, sludge, waste and air emissions specific to MMCF production, and expectations for process by-product recovery rates. The guidelines will, for now, focus on MMCF production. Dissolving pulp production processes will be considered at a later stage.


ZDHC Air Emissions Position Paper

ZDHC broadens its scope of work to address the management of air emissions within the textile, apparel, leather and footwear industry, in recognition of the impact that air emissions of hazardous chemicals may have in communities and the environment. 

The ZDHC Air Emissions Position Paper is the result of the collaborative effort that included representatives from relevant stakeholder groups with the aim to minimise air pollution across the textile, apparel, leather and footwear value chain.

What is the focus of the Air Emissions Position Paper?

This Paper focuses on two types of air emissions, those air emissions generated in a facility related to its operations (combustions or other air emissions sources) and process operations air emissions (related to production process, production line equipment and manufacturing processes), sharing aligned expectations and highlighting areas of opportunity.  The aim of this paper is to build up the needed understanding of air emissions management and best practices, and it should be implemented by brands and facilities to understand the gaps with current air emissions control and tracking efforts to prepare for the transition of this document to the ZDHC Air Emissions Guidelines. No new air testing is described in the paper beyond those legally required.


What is the timeline for actions to be taken?

2021 - There is no immediate action needed for Suppliers but to stay informed on the developments of the air emissions project and take the opportunity to self-assess operations against the expectations outlined in the Paper. During this year ZDHC will work on developing a streamlined reporting mechanism, monitoring requirements, and testing that will allow this paper to transition into the ZDHC Air Emissions Guidelines.  

2022 - ZDHC will develop the Position Paper into a Full Guideline and publicly release it. Suppliers should continue to self-assess operations against the expectations outlined in the Paper and check that they will be ready to implement the Guidelines in 2023.

2023 - Air Emissions Guidelines implementation will begin.

The ZDHC Air Emissions Guidelines V1.0 directly follows on from the Air Emissions Position Paper, which was first published in 2019. The limits and recommendations shared in the Air Emissions Position Paper gave direction to the industry, where there is no existing harmonised standard for air emissions across the industry.

Transitioning the Air Emissions Position Paper into guidelines requires a step-by-step approach. That approach first creates awareness by helping facilities to identify and understand the types of emission sources and pollutants that are emitted. The second step moves further into tracking and reporting emissions of key pollutants associated with facility operations and production, followed by adoption and implementation of Best Available Technologies (BAT), including equipment and processes, to minimise air emissions.

These documents complement one another in highlighting the connection between air emissions and chemical input to the industry, and working to improve air quality through better input chemistry.

Aim of the Air Emissions Position Paper is to:
  • Reinforce expectations
  • Highlight areas of opportunity
  • Propel the industry towards greater responsibility in controlling its impact on communities and the environment.
Aim of the Air Emissions Guidelines is to:
  • Support suppliers to gain data to understand their current performance level.
  • Guide suppliers in establishing and implementing effective VOC emissions practices to progress from Foundational up to Aspirational Level.
Supporting data integrity on the ZDHC Gateway

These guidelines highlight the requirements for uploading data electronically onto the ZDHC Gateway. 

Data integrity on ZDHC Gateway - Wastewater Module is a cornerstone of the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme. One of the mechanisms used to achieve that is the implementation of the EDR. AllZDHC Accepted Laboratories must adhere to these guidelines.

This guideline explains the automated system Accepted Laboratories must use to submit wastewater and sludge testing data on the ZDHC Gateway - Wastewater Module. 

output

Better Outputs

Safer and cleaner - for producers, people and planet

Measuring indicators such as, wastewater, sludge and air quality validates the work that is being done with chemical inputs and processes. It helps us to determine if
the output water and air is safer.

Guidelines

ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines

Version 2.2

The ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines is a living document which sets a single, globally unified expectation across the textile, leather and footwear industry supply chain for industrial wastewater and sludge. They define the guidelines for wastewater discharge, sludge quality and disposal pathways. The input of key stakeholders (brands, suppliers, academia, laboratories and certification bodies) and stringent review processes from ZDHC Wastewater Council were used in their creation, adding to their credibility. 

supportive Document

ZDHC Wastewater Update Principles and Procedures

Version 1.0

The ZDHC Wastewater Update Principles and Procedures document aims to foster harmonisation and transparency in the revision process of the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines. It is a valuable tool for stakeholders within the textile and footwear industry to understand their roles within the update process. With this essential resource, ZDHC reinforces its commitment of driving their Committed Community in the elimination of hazardous chemicals from the textile and footwear value chain and promoting responsible wastewater management.

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supportive Document

ZDHC Sludge Reference Document

Version 1.0

ZDHC released its first Sludge Reference Document which gives a detailed approach to ZDHC Disposal Pathways. This document is arranged according to the sludge generation, handling, and disposal pathway. It provides transparency and traceability for sludge, from generation to final disposal.

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supportive Document

ZDHC Fibre Fragmentation in Wastewater — Suppliers

Version 1.0

The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) and ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme (ZDHC) have joined forces to release a snapshot guidance that sets out to help tackle microfibre loss in the textile industry.
Microfibres, tiny particles which are lost during the textile lifecycle, have been identified as an environmental threat. Microfibres can be of cellulosic, man-made cellulosic or synthetic origin. TMC and ZDHC have co-developed guidance aimed at empowering supply chains, brands, and retailers to take effective measures against all microfibre pollution.

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supportive Document

ZDHC Fibre Fragmentation in Wastewater — Brands & Retailers

Version 1.0

The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) and ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme (ZDHC) have joined forces to release a snapshot guidance that sets out to help tackle microfibre loss in the textile industry.

Microfibres, tiny particles which are lost during the textile lifecycle, have been identified as an environmental threat. Microfibres can be of cellulosic, man-made cellulosic or synthetic origin. TMC and ZDHC have co-developed guidance aimed at empowering supply chains, brands, and retailers to take effective measures against all microfibre pollution.

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supportive Document

ZDHC Wastewater and Sludge Sampling and Analysis Plan  

(SAP) Version 2.1

This document is a key support for implementing the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines. It provides ZDHC Approved Laboratories with a set of requirements to guide them as they sample and test to determine the concentration of parameters in wastewater and sludge. This SAP will help ensure the integrity and comparability of wastewater and sludge test data. 

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supportive Document

ZDHC Gateway Electronic Data Reporting System Guidelines

(EDR)  Version 3.0

The EDR gives directives to ZDHC Approved Laboratories on submitting test data to the ZDHC Gateway - Wastewater Module. It explains the standardised way in which data should be submitted to the Gateway platform. By showing these laboratories what data we expect them to upload, it increases the consistency and comparability of test data on the platform.

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Laboratories

Approved Laboratories

Laboratories must meet ZDHC’s minimum approval criteria. This is crucial to sample and analyse based on the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines, and to submit test data to the ZDHC Gateway - Wastewater Module. For consistent data quality, insight is needed on the personnel, equipment and processes being used. With that in mind, the
ZDHC Approved Wastewater Laboratory Programme was created.

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Already more than 87 laboratories in 23 locations
technologies

Wastewater Treatment Technologies

This document, which is purely informational, was gifted to ZDHC in 2018. It provides helpful knowledge for decision-makers and managers at wet processing facilities. The document's main purpose is to provide a technical overview of wastewater treatment processes. Wastewater treatment is a complex process and treatment solutions may vary from plant-to-plant. Therefore additional (bespoke) guidance, and resources such as regional training programs are needed. 

Guidelines

Wastewater Treatment System Operator Minimum Qualifications Guidelines  

The ZDHC Wastewater System Operator Minimum Qualifications Guidelines standardise the minimum qualifications for education, training and experience required of operators and technicians operating wastewater treatment systems at all manufacturing facilities and other facilities operating effluent treatment plants (ETP). The Guidelines help facilities to identify skill gaps and prepare for focused training solutions.

Guidelines

ZDHC Leather Wastewater Guidelines Addendum

These Guidelines set a single unified expectation for sampling, testing and reporting of industrial wastewater and sludge resulting from leather processing. These Guidelines must be read in conjunction with the current ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines Version 1.1 and the instructions given in Sections 9.0-16.0 must be followed.

Air Emissions

ZDHC Air Emissions Guidelines

Version 1.0

The ZDHC Air Emissions Guidelines V1.0 follows on from the Air Emissions Position Paper. The guidelines set performance criteria for air emissions for manufacturing facilities in the apparel, textile, leather and footwear industries, supporting continuous improvement.

Air Emissions

ZDHC Air Emissions Guidelines Industry Standard Implementation Approach

Version 1.0

Collaboration is a key success factor when implementing the ZDHC Air Emissions Guidelines. The ZDHC Air Emissions Guidelines Industry Standard Implementation Approach V1.0 details how the industry stakeholders should implement ZDHC Air Emissions Guidelines V1.0 across their value chains. By implementing the guidelines in a collaborative, connected way, stakeholders can reduce the impact of implementation efforts. This document provides a standard approach to help achieve this.

Air Emissions

ZDHC Air Emissions Position Paper

The ZDHC Air Emissions Position Paper promotes the management of air emissions and sharing best practices with the aim to minimise air pollution across the textile, apparel, leather and footwear value chain.

disclosure

DETOX.Live

This platform integrates the global facility monitoring of wastewater testing completed in accordance with ZDHC’s Wastewater Guidelines, with the performance evaluation of how facilities are managing their sustainable process chemistry.

Gateway

Wastewater Module

Test wastewater once - share results simultaneously

The ZDHC Gateway - Wastewater Module saves time and supports transparency throughout the value chain. Manufacturing facilities can test wastewater once and share the results simultaneously with all clients. Suppliers are assessed against uniform standards like the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines or the ZDHC MMCF Wastewater Guidelines. They can show their performance and take corrective action if needed.

Brands also benefit. They can see test results from multiple suppliers - on one single platform. There are exciting future possibilities too, like the potential to link to other business analytics platforms for fuller performance analyses.