Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Program

Achieve eco-excellence with ZDHC Program

Introduction

​The Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Program is a global initiative focused on eliminating hazardous chemicals from the textile, apparel, and footwear industries. Launched in 2011 by a coalition of leading apparel brands, the ZDHC aims to protect both the environment and human health by promoting sustainable chemical management practices across the entire supply chain.

The program encompasses several key components:

  • Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL): A comprehensive list of hazardous chemicals banned from intentional use during manufacturing processes.
  • Wastewater Guidelines: Standards that define acceptable levels of chemicals in wastewater to ensure safe discharge into the environment.
  • Audit Protocols: Guidelines for assessing and improving chemical management performance at production facilities.
  • Implementation Hub: A platform offering resources, best practices, and training materials to support the adoption of safer chemical alternatives.

Through collaborative efforts, ZDHC endeavors to drive industry-wide change, ensuring a move towards more sustainable and responsible production practices. The ultimate goal is to achieve zero discharge of hazardous chemicals, thereby fostering a safer and cleaner industry for the future.​ Achieve Eco-Excellence with TUV Rheinland's ZDHC Program​ - contact us now to find out more!


Product scope

​Textile, apparel, and leather/footwear industries

Countries:
01 European Union
Afghanistan
Algeria
American Samoa
Angola
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei Darussalam
Burkina-Faso
Burundi
Cabo Verde or Cape Verde
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Canary Islands
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chile
China
Colombia
Comoros
Congo (Democratic Republic of the)
Congo (Republic of the) - Brazzaville
Costa Rica
Cuba
East Timor
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Fiji
French Guiana
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Greenland
Guam
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana or Guiana
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Ivory Coast or Cote d Ivoire
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Macao
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Mali
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Mongolia
Nauru
Nepal
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
North Korea
Northern Mariana Islands - Saipan
Oman
Pakistan
Palau Islands
Palestine
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn Island
Qatar
Saint Helena
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Samoa
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Georgia + South Sandwich Islands
South Korea
Sri Lanka
Suriname or Surinam
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Thailand
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
United States of America (USA)
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vietnam
Wallis and Futuna Islands
Yemen
Product categories:
Chemical Products
Clothing & textile
Industrial Plants
Sustainability & Compliance
Technical aspects:
Chemical
Environment / Eco
Regions:
Africa
Asia
Central America
Europe
Middle East
North-America
Oceania
Others
South-America

Disclaimer

The content of our website has been compiled with meticulous care and to the best of our knowledge. However, we cannot assume liability on the page content to be up-to-date, complete or accurate.