DENIM EXPERT LTD. joins the ZDHC FOUNDATION as contributor

Denim Expert Ltd. are very proud that we have been accepted to join as a contributor to the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Foundation, The ZDHC missions is to enable brands in the textile, apparel, and footwear industries to implement chemical management best practices and advance towards zero discharge of hazardous chemicals by collaborative Engagement, Standard Setting and Implementation.

The main goals are set to eliminate priority hazardous chemicals in products and their manufacture, implement a transparent screening process to promote safer chemistry, implement common tools, best practices and training that advance chemical stewardship, partner with stakeholders to promote transparency of chemical usage and discharge and promote scaling of best practices through engagement with key stakeholders.

Under the guidance of the ZDHC Foundation, Denim Expert Ltd. have adopted various initiatives to ensure the zero discharge of hazardous chemicals, including:

• The establishment of traffic signals in the chemical store-room to aid in the safe storage of chemical product.
• The mandatory use of protective gloves when handling chemicals.
• The introduction of a chemical compatibility chart to ensure safe storage of chemicals and highlight their risk factor.
• Visible posting of Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) enabling close follow-up of chemical use.
• The installation of the appropriate ventilation and temperature control in the chemical storage area.
• Establishment of an emergency response plan, with any potential chemical spillage being monitored by a specially trained technical representative.
• Clear labelling on all chemicals following ZDHC guidance.
• Strict adhesion by all employees to the chemical inventory list.
• Allocation of a designated area for chemical waste disposal and treatment.

With its membership of the ZDHC, Denim Expert Ltd. join more than 24 signatory brands, 59 value chain affiliates, and 15 associates (including Adidas, Benetton, BURBERRY, C&A, COOP, ESPRIT, Gap Inc. , G-STAR RAW, H&M,INDITEX, Jack Wolfskin, Lbrands, LEVI STRAUSS & CO, LI-NING, MARKS & SPENCER, Hugo Boss, Nike, Primark, Puma, PVH, Target) who are collectively working together to support implementation of safer chemical management practices.

About The ZDHC Foundation:

The ZDHC Foundation, was established in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, in 2015 to promote, govern and oversee the implementation of the ZDHC programme.

The ZDHC Programme has identified four key areas and two cross-cutting areas which are critical towards eliminating hazardous chemicals from the global textile, leather and footwear industries.

The four focus areas are MRSL & Conformance Guidance, Wastewater Quality, Audit Protocol and Research. The two cross-cutting areas are Data & Disclosure and Training. The ZDHC Foundation believes focusing on these areas will have the greatest impact, whilst also amplifying the work of other industry associations and non-governmental organizations.

Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL):

The ZDHC MRSL is a list of chemical substances banned from intentional use in facilities that process textile materials and trim parts in apparel, leather and footwear. It establishes acceptable concentration limits for these substances as impurities or by-products in chemical formulations used within manufacturing facilities.

Wastewater Quality:

Well-designed, properly functioning wastewater treatment plants, good process controls and effective chemical management are key to minimizing chemical, physical and biological pollutants discharged into the environment.

Audit Protocol:

The ZDHC audit protocol was developed to ensure consistency in environmental auditing across the value chain and sharing of audit findings. The Audit Protocol is supported by the ZDHC Chemical Management System (CMS) Guidance Manual, released in 2015.

Research:

The ZDHC Research List is a list of prioritized chemical substances for which there are no safer alternatives in the market today. It lists priority chemical substances that require additional research or substitution.

Data & Disclosure:

While implementing the Joint Roadmap, the need for integrated data management became apparent. The ZDHC Programme and its value chain participants including mills, tanneries, chemical companies and third-party service providers began exploring the challenges in data capture, reporting and global synchronization.

Training:

ZDHC Training is designed to support implementation of ZDHC standards throughout the value chain. Training is aimed at all parts of the value chain, including, brands, chemical suppliers, manufacturers and other intermediaries to adopt ambitious chemical management standards.