Zero is the best number when you’re talking about hazardous chemicals, according to Roadmap to Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC), a group of 18 global brands and retailers (including several USFIA members) committed to eliminating hazardous chemical discharge by 2020. This week, the group released its 2014 Annual Report.
In 2011, the founding members came together to develop a Joint Roadmap, detailing collaborative efforts to eliminate hazardous chemical discharge by 2020. On May 5th, the group released its 2014 Annual Report, detailing progress toward the goals in what they call a “landmark year.”
One highlight was the release of the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL), and a framework for prioritizing hazardous chemical substances for phase-out or research for safer alternatives. Additionally, the group created a list of safer alternatives already in existence.
ZDHC also established Audit Protocol, and completed 25 pilot audits at wet processing facilities in eight countries. They conducted chemicals management training in China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and India, to ensure that members’ suppliers are working toward the goals, too.
The Annual Report and key documents are available at http://www.roadmaptozero.com/programme-documents.php.
For more tips on how to eliminate hazardous substances and reduce your water use, revisit last month’s article on Kingpins Transformers 2029, which brought together nearly two dozen industry leaders who are working to make denim production cleaner.