ZDHC means Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals. The program aims to eliminate harmful chemicals from the textile, apparel, leather, and footwear industries. In 2019, Candiani Denim formalized its commitment to cleaner and more sustainable chemical management, undertaken two years before, by becoming a ZDHC contributor.
20% of global water pollution is caused by the fashion industry
The fashion industry is constantly asked to reduce its environmental impact and enhance the sustainability of its supply chain. Regulations are increasingly becoming more stringent, and consumers demand transparency and traceability in the sector. The use of hazardous chemicals, which are then discharged into wastewater, is particularly alarming since they negatively affect human, environmental, and worker health. The European Parliament estimated that around 20% of global water pollution is caused by dyeing and finishing processes.
What is MRSL, and why does it create a more sustainable supply chain?
ZDHC is a multi-stakeholder organization comprising over 170 contributors, including brands, suppliers, and solution providers of the textile, apparel, leather, and footwear industries. The ZDHC Program started on November 21, 2011, as a coordinated sector response to the Detox campaign launched by Greenpeace and is the most comprehensive initiative that emerged to eliminate harmful chemicals from the fashion industry and build a more sustainable supply chain.
The most traditional approaches to chemical restrictions apply only to finished products to protect consumers. ZDHC goes beyond them, banning harmful chemicals from the entire production process to protect workers, local communities, and the environment as well. The organization published a list of substances that cannot be used in manufacturing called MRSL (Manufacturers Restricted Substances List). ZDHC is based on ongoing company improvement.
ZDHC contributors commit to sustainable chemical management
Candiani Denim joined the brands and other value chain affiliates committed to cleaner and more sustainable chemical management in 2017. In 2019, we became a ZDHC contributor. Contributors help ZDHC create and enhance guidelines and solutions for the textile, apparel, leather, and footwear industries.