The Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Group (ZDHC Group) released version two of the Joint Roadmap, which defines the critical path for achieving a new standard of environmental performance for the global apparel and footwear industry.
- Completed chemical use and management surveys, and wastewater testing for approximately 150 analytes at 20 facilities in Bangladesh, China, India, Taiwan and Vietnam
- Completed a chemical inventory that is the most complete, publicly available compilation of information on chemicals used in the textile industry
- Developed training materials in English and Chinese
- Developed and delivered training to suppliers
- Engaged with more than 350 potential stakeholders
- Completed system mapping, critical to the understanding of the interconnected issues, leverage points and stakeholders involved.
- Agreed to timelines for the phase out of C8 chemistry by no later than Jan. 1, 2015
- Worked with suppliers to address the most pressing chemicals of concern, starting with APEOS, and will continue to do so in 2013
- Worked to identify safer chemistries and mechanisms to incentivise chemical suppliers to invest in these alternatives
Building on the knowledge gained during the first full year of implementation, the Joint Roadmap, Version 2 provides an overview of the guiding principles and long-term vision of the ZDHC group, and defines key activities that will catalyse industry change, said Wollmuth. By implementing tasks in seven workstreams defined in the Roadmap, specifically Chemical Hazard Assessment, Prioritisation and Action, Training, Right to Know, Assessment and Auditing, Management Systems Approach, Structure and Documentation Stakeholder Partnering, and Chemicals Management Best Practices Pilot. The ZDHC Group will develop and promote industry best practices to deliver a safer and cleaner environment. Our goal is ambitious, and the ZDHC Group and partners are fully committed to working together to achieve it, said Wollmuth.