Kering and Sustainable Down Source Join ZDHC

Announcing Two New Contributors to Accelerate Efforts Towards Eliminating Key Chemicals from the Global Footwear & Textile Supply Chain

04/19/2016

Today, the ZDHC Foundation is proud to announce two new contributors joining the ZDHC Programme to advance its goal of zero discharge of hazardous chemicals.

Kering will be joining the Programme as a Signatory Brand, and Sustainable Down Source, A Division of Down Decor, will be joining as a value-chain affiliate.

A world leader in apparel and accessories, Kering develops an ensemble of powerful Luxury and Sport & Lifestyle brands. Sustainable Down Source, a division of Down Decor, is a leading bulk down supplier in the outdoor, textile, and apparel industries.

By joining the Programme, both have committed to ZDHC’s vision of widespread implementation of sustainable chemistry, wastewater management, and environmental best practices.

In 2015, the Programme released its revised roadmap, which outlines six key areas for affecting industry change. In each, the Programme is focussing its efforts on developing tools, guidance, and support for implementation of ZDHC standards.

Since the Programme’s inception by six leading brands in 2011, its contributor base has grown to 22 Signatory Brands and seven value-chain affiliates.  

Last year, the Programme transitioned to management by the ZDHC Foundation, a separate legal entity and its first implementing team, Executive Director and Board of Directors were appointed.

“The ZDHC Programme was born from an awareness that holistic systems change was required, and that to be successful, all participants within the value-chain must be involved,” said ZDHC Foundation Executive Director, Frank Michel.

“This year, the Programme is shifting its attention from the development of tools towards implementation. Garnering greater industry support and collaboration is essential to driving these ambitious new standards forward.”

This sentiment is echoed by Caroline Zapf, Chief Sustainability Officer at Sustainable Down Source, who said: “The goal of environmental sustainability is only attainable if we join forces and resources. The ZDHC Programme is the cohesive element that can bring together the experts, the brands, and the individuals necessary to effect change on a large scale.”

For more information on the ZDHC Programme and its contribution model see here.

‍