ZDHC releases CMS guidance manual

28 Jul '15

2 min read

The Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Group has released a Chemical Management System (CMS) Guidance Manual for factories, brands, retailers and suppliers.

Released in English and Chinese, the user-friendly CMS guidance manual provides guidelines for developing an in-house CMS. It creates a comprehensive and pragmatic process for managing hazardous chemicals that allows an entry point for different roles in the supply chain, ZDHC said in a media statement.

“A sound chemical management system is not only important for worker safety and to reduce environmental impacts on the community and the broader environment, but it is a cornerstone for ensuring continuous improvement and harmonization towards the ZDHC Group's zero discharge goal,” says Cheryl Kreindler, ZDHC programme manager.

The manual provides a step-by-step framework that includes the phases – commitment to CMS; assessment, planning and prioritization; chemicals management; monitoring; and management review.

While focused on the approach, structure and documentation necessary to create and support a CMS, this framework also builds on ISO management standards and other applicable frameworks - such as the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Practical Chemical Management Toolkit and the Outdoor Industry Association Chemicals Management Working Group Framework.

Alignment with other industry frameworks and standards is key to delivering on the ZDHC Group's vision, mission and goal to achieve zero discharge of hazardous chemicals across supply chains and product life cycles in the production of apparel and footwear, the statement said. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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