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Contributor Announcement August 2022

August 10, 2022

Announcement

As of August 2022, we welcome two new Contributors and three new Friends to the ZDHC Community. 

As a VCA Chemical Industry:

Nan Pao was founded in 1963 by Huang, Tang Qing Yun. What began as a small dyeing and finishing factory has grown into one of the biggest and most successful Taiwanese companies over the years. In Taiwan, Nan Pao is the leading manufacturer of speciality adhesives, footwear adhesives, liquid and powder coating, hot-melt adhesives, and construction materials.

Nan Pao strives to be an indispensable business partner within the industry, providing innovative and environmentally friendly products manufactured with high regard for sustainability, the environment, and social values. Nan Pao has won numerous awards for its innovative approach to green technology and for reducing its carbon footprint.

“Nan Pao invests 2-3% of its revenue into researching new technologies to ensure that our products are the most innovative and environmentally friendly products on the market. Our aim is not only to lead the way when it comes to our technology and products but to also ensure that the world is a better place because of our products and approach to doing business.”

-Yi Min Tsai, QC Department Junior Manager for Nan Pao

As Associates:

In January 1968, Taiwan Plastic Slippers Exporters Association was established, and in 1978, the Taiwan Footwear Manufacturers Association was established by bringing all rubber, plastic leather, and other footwear manufacturers together in Taiwan. In 1989, the association reached members up to 1,423 member factories, however, due to shifting production off-shore, there are now 280 members from allied show traders.

“TFMA strives to protect our planet’s future. Joining the ZDHC Foundation’s Roadmap to Zero Programme will help us address environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues to further elevate sustainability for our footwear industry. TFMA has been working with  Taiwan's government to implement sustainability programmes, such as the developed Taiwan Intelligent Shoe Machine which helps factories to reduce energy usage and carbon emissions. 

We believe the Roadmap to Zero Programme can guide and inspire our members' factories to build a better CMS program.”

-Allen Lai, Secretary General for TFMA

  

As a Friend:

KiK is pleased to join the ZDHC Foundation’s Roadmap to Zero Programme, joining over 170 ZDHC Contributors in the programme. This is a crucial step forward in KiK’s sustainability strategy in an effort to reduce the discharge of harmful chemicals along the complex value chains of the textile industry. Improving ecological conditions and realising a more sustainable way of managing chemicals is an integral part of the company’s strategy. 

The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations serve as an important guideline at KiK. As one of the biggest textile discounters in Europe, KiK has been engaged in establishing and implementing environmental standards along its value chain and strongly believes that industry-wide challenges can be tackled through collaboration between reliable and like-minded partners. With a commitment to tackling the social risks and ecological challenges that arise in the textile industry, KiK fits perfectly into the strategy and goals of the Roadmap to Zero Programme of working towards having cleaner water, cleaner air, and safer production.

“As an international textile company that is active in 12 countries and has more than 4,000 stores, we feel a special obligation to pursue a comprehensive approach to sustainability both in social and ecological areas. Phasing out the discharge of harmful chemicals in KiK’s value chain is part of such efforts and we highly value the important role that the ZDHC Foundation’s Roadmap to Zero Programme plays in that regard. We are looking forward to a strong and productive collaboration to reach our joint goals.” 

– Ansgar Lohmann, Division Manager Corporate Social Responsibility for KiK

As a Friend:

“We must protect the environment for future generations!” That is why Mustang is committed to corporate sustainability and its three pillars: environmental, social and economic sustainability. Mustang as a company seeks to act in ways that meet today’s high standards without compromising tomorrow’s endless potential.

Responsibility towards people and the planet is firmly embedded in Mustang’s corporate philosophy. Mustang aims to keep its manufacturing and finishing processes as environmentally friendly as possible and expects its suppliers to comply with clear standards. Developing a sustainable chemicals management strategy is at the core of the company, which is why Mustang has decided to take the next big step of becoming a  ‘Friend of ZDHC‘ and introducing ZDHC MRSL into its value chain.

“Being part of the ZDHC Foundation’s Roadmap to Zero Programme gives us the perfect support with step-by-step implementation. The provided tools and standards will provide guidance on our journey and further education for our suppliers in order for them to meet our ever-increasing expectations and to ensure a safe working environment.”

-Signe Oepen, COO for Mustang

As a Friend:

Based in Germany, the s.Oliver Group has developed into one of Europe's leading fashion companies within just a few decades. In addition to the brands s.Oliver and QS by s.Oliver, the brand portfolio also includes TRIANGLE, comma, Liebeskind Berlin and COPENHAGEN STUDIOS, employing around 5,100 people internationally. Being a family business, taking over responsibility is one of its core values. In this context, the company set up an integrated sustainability program that is committed to clear goals in the areas of People, Planet and Future (Product). Safe chemicals and proper wastewater discharge are key to ensure a safe working environment for the workers at production partners, to protect our ecosystems, as well as to provide products that are free of hazardous substances. With the implementation of ZDHC Gateway and relevant guidelines, the s.Oliver Group is able to increase transparency and strengthen the sustainable chemical management practices in its value chain, further reduce its chemical footprint and thus minimise its impacts on people and the environment.

“The s.Oliver Group's vision is to create value through sustainability and innovation, in fashion and along the entire value chain. In cooperation with the ZDHC Foundation and their Roadmap to Zero Programme, we aim to build up sustainable and safe chemical management and thus reduce our impact on people and planet and our products.”

-Oliver Hein, Chief Operating Officer for s.Oliver Group