Textile dye & chemical producers to review ZDHC

09 May '18

2 min read

A group of nine sustainably oriented textile dye and chemical producers has issued an open letter to the Stichting ZDHC Foundation defining some principles and expectations that require clarification/commitment in order to officially contribute to the ZDHC Foundation. The signatory companies will review the progress made by ZDHC after a 12-month period.

Under the banner of Evoxess GmbH, the nine signatory companies, viz Archroma, Colourtex, DyStar, Huntsman, Jay Chemical, Protex, Pulcra, Rudolf and Tanatex, have consulted on the issues of the increasing complexity and resultant cost burdens for the textile value chain, which are proving an obstacle to the overall goals of the elimination of hazardous chemistry from within the textile supply chain, the letter said.

“The signatories recognise that the ZDHC Foundation is the most appropriate platform for the industry to progress towards a more harmonised approach. However, before the companies can become Value Chain Affiliates of the ZDHC a number of concerns need to be addressed,” the letter added.

“It is our intention to work towards a greater harmonisation of an industry standard and challenge the proliferation of standards and approaches which the industry is now facing which, through complexity, duplication, and misunderstanding, hinder the elimination of hazardous chemicals from within the supply chain.

“It is our intention that the ZDHC Foundation give more recognition to those industry players who continue to demonstrate competence and a serious commitment to the sustainability agenda, thus giving further motivation for the industry to improve,” the letter stated.

The signatories confirmed their willingness to actively engage with the ZDHC Foundation, in particular with the ZDHC Gateway Chemical Module and also as a ZDHC Contributor. However, they would do so on the basis that their expectations regarding accelerating the industry towards the elimination of hazardous chemistry within the textile value chain are fulfilled.

As of September 1, the signatories would join on a trial basis for a period of 12 months. At the end of the trial period, the companies will review the progress made by ZDHC towards driving the necessary change and harmonisation of the industry towards the objective of ‘zero discharge of hazardous chemicals’. “If we are satisfied with the progress, we will further commit to a long-term partnership,” they said. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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