The Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Program

Our services align with the latest and most updated ZDHC guidelines. Our commitment to sustainable chemistry is unwavering, and our ZDHC testing services are a testament to this dedication.

We recognize that your products shape industries and lives, and our services ensure that every step you take is a step towards sustainability and safety. We are not just a part of the industry; we're contributors to its transformation. As proud supporters of the ZDHC Programme, we stand alongside a major body that is steering the textile, leather, and footwear industries towards the monumental goal of zero discharge of hazardous chemicals. Our partnership reflects our commitment to protecting consumers, workers, and the environment through sustainable chemistry and best practices.

Cotecna ZDHC Services

Cotecna actively supports the ZDHC program by providing comprehensive testing services to ensure compliance with its stringent standards. By participating in the ZDHC Program, Cotecna helps textile and footwear companies to achieve better chemical management practices. Our laboratories assist manufacturers, suppliers, and brands in identifying and eliminating hazardous chemicals from their supply chains, thereby reducing their environmental footprint, and improving the safety of their products.

Cotecna's involvement in the ZDHC program signifies our commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices in the textile and leather industries. Through our testing services, our laboratories play a crucial role in ensuring that products meet the highest standards of chemical safety and compliance, aligning with the ZDHC's vision of a toxic-free textile and leather industry.

Navigating the ZDHC Landscape

The ZDHC program is a leading force in advancing the textile, leather, and footwear industries toward the elimination of hazardous chemicals. Cotecna is your trusted partner in this journey, offering ZDHC testing services that adhere to the most recent ZDHC guidelines. We understand the significance of ensuring that your products comply with these stringent standards, not only to meet regulations but to prioritize the well-being of consumers, workers, and the environment.

ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines

The ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines are a set of comprehensive guidelines developed by the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Program to address the proper management of wastewater in the textile, leather, and footwear industries. These guidelines aim to eliminate the discharge of hazardous chemicals into wastewater and promote environmentally responsible practices throughout the supply chain.

What is in the Wastewater Guidelines Scope?

The Wastewater Guidelines apply to industrial wastewater discharged and sludge produced from wastewater treatment operations of textile, leather, home, apparel and footwear suppliers with wet processing facilities including, but not limited to:

• Dyeing and finishing of fibres, yarns, threads, fabrics, garments, trims and laces.
• Fabric mills.
• Laundry, washing and finishing facilities.
• Printing facilities.
• Vertical finished goods manufacturing facilities where any of the above wet processes occur.
• Synthetic materials (synthetic fibres or textile-polymer composite microfibres), coated with PU, PVC or similar that holds the appearance of leather but is not made from animal skin or hide (mock leather).

What is Out the Wastewater Guidelines Scope?

The Wastewater Guidelines do not currently apply to wastewater discharge from suppliers such as, but not limited to:

• Non-textile trims, e.g. buttons, zippers (plastic, metal, glass, shells etc.), and galvanising processes.
• Cotton farming, cattle ranching, polymer production, raw wool scouring.
• Production of chemicals or mixing of chemical formulations for commercial sale.

In addition, the guidelines do not currently apply to:

• Discharge from domestic wastewater, for instance, from a sewing/garmenting (e.g. staking) facility that employs workers but has no in-house wet processing unit or domestic wastewater not blended with industrial wastewater.
• Wastewater management and treatment systems beyond the property boundaries of the supplier. This includes any third-party, off-site, centralised or common effluent treatment plants (CETP) that are not under direct control and/or ownership of the supplier.
• CETPs can choose to monitor their performance against these guidelines.
• Any supplier who discharges to CETP is deemed an indirect supplier and should test against these guidelines.

For a comprehensive list of the different types of sludges, and those that are out of scope for the applicability of the Wastewater Guidelines please contact us.

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