Zero discharge of hazardous chemicals in focus

Denim Expert Limited has joined the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Foundation to ensure zero discharge of hazardous chemicals in its manufacturing process.
The ZDHC Foundation is a Netherlands based organisation and its missions is to enable brands in the textile, apparel, and footwear industries to implement chemical management best practices and advance towards zero discharge of hazardous chemicals by collaborative engagement, standard setting and implementation.
The main goals are set to eliminate priority hazardous chemicals in products and their manufacture, implement a transparent screening process to promote safer chemistry.
"Denim Expert Ltd is committed to ensuring sustainability. Joining the ZDHC is a part of our commitment," said Mostafiz Uddin Managing Director of Denim Expert Limited.
"Being a member of the ZDHC, the Denim Expert will make sure that the raw materials and chemicals we use for manufacturing are absolutely harmless for not just the end users, it is harmless for the workers as well as environment, said Mostafiz.
Under the guidance of the ZDHC Foundation, Denim Expert Ltd has adopted various initiatives to ensure the zero discharge of hazardous chemicals in its production process.
These initiatives include the establishment of traffic signals in the chemical store-room to aid in the safe storage of chemical product, mandatory use of protective gloves when handling chemicals and introduction of a chemical compatibility chart to ensure safe storage of chemicals and highlight their risk factor.
The other steps include visible posting of Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) enabling close follow-up of chemical use, installation of the appropriate ventilation and temperature control in the chemical storage area, Clear labelling on all chemicals following ZDHC guidance, strict adhesion by all employees to the chemical inventory list and allocation of a designated area for chemical waste disposal and treatment.
Meanwhile it also established of an emergency response plan, with any potential chemical spillage being monitored by a specially trained technical representative.
With its membership of the ZDHC, Denim Expert has join more than 24 signatory brands, 59 value chain affiliates, and 15 associates including Adidas, Benetton, BURBERRY, C&A, COOP, ESPRIT, Gap Inc. , G-STAR RAW, H&M,INDITEX, Jack Wolfskin, Lbrands, LEVI STRAUSS & CO, LI-NING, MARKS & SPENCER, Hugo Boss, Nike, Primark, Puma, PVH, Target.
These brands and value chain are collectively working together to support implementation of safer chemical management practices.
The ZDHC Foundation, a Netherlands based organisation, works to promote, govern and oversee the implementation of the ZDHC programme.
The ZDHC Programme has identified four key areas such as MRSL & Conformance Guidance, Wastewater Quality, Audit Protocol and Research and two cross-cutting areas which are critical towards eliminating hazardous chemicals from the global textile, leather and footwear industries.