Release of 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.

“The release of this Air Emissions Position Paper is an important milestone for the Roadmap to Zero Programme because it addresses another potential pathway of hazardous chemicals reaching the environment. ” Scott Echols, Senior Director, Roadmap to Zero Programme 

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.

To support this release, webinars and training will follow in the coming weeks. 

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 - The aim of ZDHC is to develop and publish the full Air Emissions Guidelines. Suppliers should continue to self-assess operations against the expectations outlined in the Position Paper and should prepare to implement the Air Emissions Guidelines in 2023.

2023 - Air Emissions Guidelines implementation will begin. 

At this point, we would like to thank all Contributors and stakeholders that helped develop the Paper. This document would not have been possible without the dedication of our Contributors. In particular to the Task Team members, the team captain Joy Marsalla from Nike -instrumental to this work- and team co-captain Nasim Mullen from Lbrands. Thank you - Your commitment and dedication made this possible!