One of the worst impacts from the industry is the discharge of hazardous chemicals that is often completely unregulated, causing egregious harm to the environment and to the people who live and work in the surrounding areas.
The Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Programme is a collaboration of leading brands, value chain affiliates, and associate contributors committed to advancing towards zero discharge of hazardous chemicals in the textile, leather, and footwear value chain, thereby reducing harm to the environment and human well-being.
Through its collaboration with the SAC, ZDHC assists in the development of the chemicals assessment sections of the Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM).
One of the main objectives of the ZDHC Programme is to reduce unnecessary duplication of audits within the textile and footwear value-chain. Frank Michel, executive director of ZDHC, explains that collaboration is key to achieving this goal.
We endorse the Higg Facility Environmental Module developed by the SAC. As the center of excellence for chemical management, ZDHC guides the SAC on components related to this.
Frank Michel, executive director, ZDHC
Explore the ZDHC Programme and its Tools
The ZDHC Programme began in 2011 with six leading brands, and today consists of 22 Signatory Brands, 12 value chain affiliates and seven associates.