The international organization Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) has been promoting the responsible use of chemicals in the textile and footwear industry for over 10 years, with the aim of eliminating or limiting the intentional use of chemical substances considered hazardous due to the serious negative effects they can have on human health and the environment.

In line with these goals, the ZDHC “Supplier to Zero” Programme for suppliers provides an interesting model for all manufacturing companies wishing to implement an effective and efficient Chemical Management System (CMS) that enables them to:

• continuously improve their performance in the use of chemical substances over time, and
• inform their customers and other stakeholders in a complete, accurate, and verifiable way about their commitments and the results achieved.

The Supplier to Zero Programme defines three levels to demonstrate conformity with ZDHC guidelines regarding the implemented management measures:

• Level 1 (Foundational): based on self-assessment by the company
• Level 2 (Progressive): requires the development and implementation of an adequate Management System and the submission of policies, strategies, and procedures to the assessment of an external ZDHC-approved Reviewer.
• Level 3 (Aspirational): includes an on-site evaluation of the Chemical Management System aimed at verifying the effectiveness of the implemented practices.

ORIENTA supports textile manufacturing companies in developing and implementing an appropriate Chemical Management System that includes:

a. The definition of relevant company policies to:

• eliminate and limit the use of hazardous substances listed in the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL);
• ensure safe and healthy working conditions through proper chemical risk management;
• ensure that relevant information is made available to identified stakeholders;
• assess all activities that have an actual or potential influence on the traceability of the materials used, the chemicals employed, and the products manufactured.

b. The development of a Strategy that, in accordance with the company’s adopted objectives and based on business processes related to chemical management, defines:

• areas of intervention and related measures to ensure achievement of objectives;
• timelines, methods, and resources necessary for implementing the measures;
• specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and the required monitoring measures.

c. The preparation of procedures and operating instructions to ensure:

• the proper selection, evaluation, and management of chemical products and the chemical inventory;
• the traceability of materials used, chemicals employed, and products manufactured;
• the management of relevant environmental aspects through the identification of applicable environmental legislation and monitoring of environmental aspects;
• the proper management of working conditions associated with chemical risk;
• the training and information of personnel.