Chemicals
The Chemicals section asks questions about your company’s approach to identifying, measuring and addressing chemical impacts throughout the value chain. The purpose of these questions is to understand your company’s policies and practices related to chemical management, including how you assess and mitigate potential chemical risks in your operations, supply chain, and products. By evaluating your chemical management program, you can better understand how your company is working to protect human health and the environment from harmful chemicals.
Important disclaimer:
Please note that there are no applicabilities in the questionnaire, this means that even if a user answers “no” to a question, the follow up questions will still apply to the user and result in a point loss. In particular, if you answered “no/none” to the questions in this section asking if targets have been formally set and approved for a specific impact and/or topic area, the N/A answer option is not available for the related questions asking whether annual milestone targets have been met and whether those have been publicly reported, and you must answer “no”.
Question: Retailer path
Does your company require its brand partners to have chemical management systems guidelines?
About this question
For: Brand
A chemical management system (CMS) is essential for a company to understand, measure and manage topics related to chemicals and communicate and collaborate with stakeholders on these. This question asks if your company has adopted a chemical management system for your activity. An example of a chemical management system could be the ZDHC CMS Framework.
- Answer yes if your company has a chemical management system implemented
- Answer no if your company does not have a chemical management system implemented
For: Retailer
A chemical management system is essential for a company to understand, measure and manage topics related to chemicals and communicate and collaborate with stakeholders on these. Retailers have the ability to influence this process by establishing requirements in the contracts they sign with their brand partners and by introducing such requirements in their purchasing criteria.
- Answer yes if your company has this requirement in their purchasing criteria
- Answer no if your company does not have this requirement in their purchasing criteria
For: Brand and Retailer
A chemical management system (CMS) is essential for a company to understand, measure and manage topics related to chemicals and communicate and collaborate with stakeholders on these. This question asks if your company has adopted a chemical management system for your activity and if you have this requirement for your brand partners. An example of a chemical management system could be the ZDHC CMS Framework.
- Answer yes if your company has a chemical management system implemented and has defined this requirement for its partner brands
- Answer no if your company does not have a chemical management system implemented and you don’t request it for your partner brands
Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MQ.b (For: Brand, Brand and Retailer)
Reference ID: ech.MQ.r (For: Retailer)
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (Corp. 2.3)
Evidence
Either
- Link to published documents covering the respective aspects, especially addressing the company’s and their business partners roles and responsibilities in addressing the aspects
or
- Internal documents covering the respective aspects, especially addressing the company’s and their business partners roles and responsibilities in addressing the aspects
- Evidence of oversight by board/senior leadership (e.g., ESG Committee minutes, board meeting papers)
Topic areas
Chemical management
Question: Retailer path
Does your company ask its brand partners to commit to a Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL)?
About this question
For: Brand
Sustainable chemical management starts with better input chemistry. The decision to use a MRSL for your business is key for your sustainable chemical management journey. This question asks if your company already included a MRSL while performing your business activities. An example of an MRSL could be the ZDHC MRSL.
- Answer yes if can provide evidence of your company’s commitment to implement a MRSL
- Answer no if your company has not implemented a MRSL
For: Retailer
A Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) is a list of chemicals that are prohibited or restricted from use in the manufacturing process. This question asks if your company asks their partners’ brands to demonstrate a MRSL commitment to ensure responsible chemical management and reduced risk of harmful chemicals.
- Answer yes if your company has this requirement for their partner brands
- Answer no if your company does not have this requirement for their partner brands
For: Brand and Retailer
Sustainable chemical management starts with better input chemistry. The decision to use a MRSL for your business is key for your sustainable chemical management journey. This question asks if your company already included a MRSL while performing your business activities, and if your company asks their partners’ brands to demonstrate a MRSL commitment.
- Answer yes if can provide evidence that your company has implemented a MRSL and you require this commitment to your partner brands
- Answer no if your company has not implemented a MRSL and you do not require this commitment to your partner brands
Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.Mg.b (For: Brand, Brand and Retailer)
Reference ID: ech.Mg.r (For: Retailer)
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (Corp. 2.1)
Evidence
Either
- The respective MRSL can be part of the CMS or a broader environmental policy, supplier requirements document or guidebook
- The MRSL must be a reference only to an industry wide MRSL, such as the ZDHC MRSL, or a MRSL related to a specific certification standard as Bluesign or OEKO-TEX STeP
or
- The case of sourcing via intermediaries, does the company require business partners to cascade respective requirements to applicable facilities (see FEM scope)
Note: A MRSL does not refer to chemicals in products, but to chemicals used in production. Bluesign and OEKO-TEX also offer RSL, so the company needs to refer to the respective MRSL specifically. It is also insufficient if the company provides a list of chemical substances without specifying how business partners are supposed to implement respective requirements. For MRSL, it needs to be e.g., ‘manufacturers are required to only use chemicals in line with the MRSL’ or ‘no chemicals must be used that contain substances listed on the MRSL’.
Topic areas
Chemical management, MRSL
About this question
Wastewater guidelines are essential to provide suppliers with clear expectations. Guidelines include setting limits on the types and concentrations of chemicals that can be discharged in wastewater and requiring suppliers to treat wastewater before it is released into the environment. An example for wastewater guidelines are the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines. This question asks if your company has this aspect of responsible supply chain management in place.
- Answer yes if can provide evidence that your company has wastewater guidelines for its suppliers
- Answer no if your company does not have wastewater guidelines for its suppliers
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.Mw.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (Corp. 2.2)
Evidence
- The respective wastewater guidelines can be part of a broader environmental policy, supplier requirements document ore guidebook
- The wastewater guidelines must be a reference only to an industry wide wastewater guideline, such as the ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines, or a wastewater guideline related to a specific certification standard as Bluesign or OEKO-TEX STeP
- The wastewater guidelines should specify parameters and limits to adhere with as well as expectations towards management practices
Note: In the case of sourcing via intermediaries, does the company require business partners to cascade respective requirements to applicable facilities (see FEM scope)
Topic areas
Chemical management, wastewater
About this question
Chemical Inventory Lists (CIL) and proper chemical inventory management are key for many other chemical management topics and processes. It is crucial that your company requires facilities to build and maintain chemical inventories.
- Answer yes if you can provide evidence that your company requires its suppliers to build and maintain a CIL
- Answer no if you cannot provide evidence that your company requires its suppliers to build and maintain a CIL
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.NA.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (SCP 1.5)
Evidence
- The requirement needs to be clearly phrased as part of the company’s supplier requirements or supplier guidebook. Even if referring to an industry CMS, the company needs to have this expectation specified in applicable documents
Note: In the case of sourcing via intermediaries, does the company require business partners to cascade respective requirements to applicable facilities (see FEM scope)
Topic areas
Chemical management
About this question
Every process will generate waste that will need to be collected and disposed of in accordance with local regulations. Your company should express the expectations or requirements to classify, collect and dispose of hazardous waste properly.
This question aims to understand your company’s approach on your value chain regarding disposal and management of chemical hazardous waste.
- Answer yes if your company has defined requirements and expectations for its suppliers in terms of management and disposal of hazardous waste
- Answer no if your company has not defined requirements and expectations for its suppliers in terms of management and disposal of hazardous waste
Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.NQ.b (For: Brand, Brand and Retailer)
Reference ID: ech.NQ.r (For: Retailer)
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (SCP 1.8)
Evidence
Either
- You can provide satisfying supporting documents, e.g., supplier expectations or requirements, that facilities with relevant production processes need to set and follow processes that are at least in-line with local regulations and aim for a proper treatment and disposal of hazardous waste. The implementation of a waste monitoring scheme should be part of it.
or
- In the case of sourcing via intermediaries, does the company require business partners to cascade respective requirements to applicable facilities (see FEM scope)
Topic areas
Chemical management
About this question
A Product Restricted Substances List (Product RSL) is a list of chemical substances that are prohibited, restricted, or otherwise regulated in certain products. The RSL may include substances that are known to be hazardous to human health or the environment, or those that are regulated by governmental or industry standards.
- Answer yes if your company has a Product RSL, it is maintained/updated on at least an annual basis and it specifies the most stringent regulatory limits for restricted substances as found in applicable global regulations OR your company’s Product RSL is aligned to a widely-adopted Product RSL administered by a credible third-party organization
- Answer no if your company does not have a Product RSL
Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.Ng
Evidence
Either
- Link to a published copy of the company’s Product RSL (e.g., ESG Report, corporate website), outlining the specific substances and chemicals that are restricted or prohibited in the company’s products and materials and including the company’s policies or guidelines related to the use and management of restricted substances and chemicals in products and materials
or
- A copy of the company’s Product RSL, outlining the specific substances and chemicals that are restricted or prohibited in the company’s products and materials
and
- Documentation of the company’s policies or guidelines related to the use and management of restricted substances and chemicals in products and materials, including any procedures for managing non-compliance and ensuring adherence to the RSL
and
- Evidence of the company’s communication with suppliers regarding the Product RSL, such as supplier agreements, contracts, or guidelines that outline the expectations and requirements for compliance with the RSL
and
- Documentation or records demonstrating that the company has provided training or capacity-building initiatives for employees and suppliers to ensure understanding and compliance with the Product RSL
and
- Evidence of oversight by senior management (e.g., ESG Committee minutes, CSR/Sustainability Director report, board/senior management resolutions or meeting minutes)
Topic areas
Chemical management, RSL
About this question
Companies that are dedicated to implementing a chemical management program should ideally establish targets that highlight how specific tools help to achieve strategic objectives. The main benefit for your company is the continuous improvement towards sustainable chemical management.
To drive effective progress, targets should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. Targets should be approved by the company’s senior management, and relevant employees should be accountable for the monitoring and achievement of KPIs.
- Answer yes if you can provide evidence that your company has formally set and approved targets for the implementation of the chemical management program
- Answer no if you cannot provide evidence that your company has formally set and approved targets for the implementation of the chemical management program
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.Nw.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (Corp 1.2)
Evidence
Either
- Link to published targets (e.g., ESG strategy or report, sustainability report, corporate website, Annual Report and Accounts)
or
- Internal strategy or program documentation on the targets
and
- Evidence of oversight by board/senior leadership (e.g., ESG Committee minutes, Board papers)
Topic areas
Chemical management
About this question
Building internal staff capabilities to address chemical risks is an important step towards implementing a responsible and effective chemical management program – this may be internal staff with chemical management expertise but can also include providing training and guidance to relevant teams. This question looks to understand how your company prioritizes this topic.
- Answer yes if your company has a program/strategy to build internal capability to address chemical risks. This can be in the form of expert staff hiring or training to internal teams
- Answer no if your company does not have a program/strategy to build internal capability to address chemical risks
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.OA.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (Corp 3.1 & 3.3)
Evidence
Either
- Evidence of a structured capacity building approach for internal staff on the the aspects of the company’s CMS that may include capacity assessments, development plans, and training plans
or
- Documentation that respective trainings have been conducted for internal staff members
Topic areas
Chemical management
About this question
Setting clear requirements to suppliers encourages responsible chemical management practices. Requirements should be explained to suppliers as part of relevant policies or equivalent documents. This question focuses on the chemical management guidelines and the implementation requirements for your suppliers.
- Answer yes if your company has set clear requirements for your suppliers to adopt chemical management guidelines
- Answer no if your company has not set clear requirements for your suppliers to adopt chemical management guidelines
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.OQ.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (Corp 4.1)
Evidence
Provide:
- You can provide e.g., supplier requirements, guidelines or comparable documents that require suppliers to implement chemical management guidelines
- A clear requirement should state what has to be done when or by when, by whom.
- A requirement may be linked to a KPI but can also be a to-do
Topic areas
Chemical management
About this question
Monitoring suppliers can identify potential risks, understand supplier performance, help identify areas for improvement and take corrective action to address non-compliance.
This question is important because it allows you to demonstrate your company’s commitment to responsible supply chain management. A monitoring program should include a process/flow-chart, outlining monitoring activities.
- Answer yes if your company has a monitoring process for the requirements of suppliers regarding the implementation of the chemical management program with relevant documentation, such as SOPs, process charts, etc.
- Answer no if your company does not have a monitoring process for the requirements of suppliers regarding the implementation of the chemical management program
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MTA.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (Corp 4.4)
Evidence
Provide:
- Your can provide a screenshot or ideally document listing the suppliers and reference points to the respective guidelines.
- Information must be provided on how the data points and information are gathered and maintained, e.g., SOPs, process charts, communication flow charts and at minimum a source for each data point/ information (e.g., ZDHC Gateway export, collection of documents sent by suppliers)
Note: Ideally the company can also provide an internal responsibility matrix on maintaining the monitoring system
Topic areas
Chemical management
About this question
It is a company’s responsibility to ensure suppliers are adhering to requirements set for the chemical management program, and taking corrective action when non-conformities are identified. Your company’s monitoring should review if suppliers are actively working towards improvements and demonstrate support to their value chain partners in this process.
This question asks you to demonstrate your company’s diligence and commitment to responsible supply chain management and process improvement.
- Answer yes if you can show evidence that your company has a process to monitor the follow-up made by suppliers regarding non-conformities in the implementation of your chemical management program
- Answer no if your company does not have a process to monitor the follow-up made by suppliers regarding non-conformities in the implementation of your chemical management program
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MTE.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (Corp 4.5)
Evidence
Provide:
- Evidence that you have a monitoring process for the non-conformities by your suppliers in your chemical management program with relevant follow up actions, such as conducting RCA
Topic areas
Chemical management
About this question
When a company implements a chemical management program, it is essential that the program is cascaded down to all suppliers in the value chain. However, most company’s will not have direct business relationships with suppliers of all tiers. As a result, your company has a responsibility to ensure that supply chain partners respectively cascade the chemical management program to their respective suppliers involved in the manufacturing of the components of your company’s products.
- Answer yes if your company specify in its supplier communication that chemical management related requirements must be cascaded to respective business partners
- Answer no if your company does not specify in its supplier communication that chemical management related requirements must be cascaded to respective business partners
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MTI.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (SCP 1.1)
Evidence
Provide:
- The company can provide satisfying supporting documents to have built and implemented on a strategic approach for continuously engaging with the company’s supply chain about your requirements, beyond the direct business partners of the company, ensuring their business partners implement respective requirements
Note: In the case of sourcing via intermediaries, does the company require business partners to cascade respective requirements to applicable facilities (see FEM scope)
Topic areas
Chemical management
About this question
Having an escalation process in place helps to ensure that suppliers are adhering to the company’s chemical management program. It provides a clear path for addressing non-compliance and holding suppliers accountable. It can also be used as a tool for continuous improvement. This question checks that your company has an escalation process in place to ensure that all suppliers are meeting the company’s standards.
- Answer yes if you can show evidence that your company has an escalation process for those suppliers who do not commit to the adoption of your chemical management program
- Answer no if your company does not have an escalation process for those suppliers who do not commit to the adoption of your chemical management program
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MTM.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (SCP 3.8, SCP 1.14)
Evidence
Either
- Ideally, the company can provide SOPs, process charts, and a communication flow chart. The company can also provide an internal responsibility matrix on maintaining the monitoring system
or
- Documentation of escalation cases, how these were discovered, steps taken and how cases were closed
Topic areas
Chemical management
About this question
An MRSL helps to ensure that the products being manufactured meet the standards set by your company in terms of chemical safety. This question asks if you require your supplier to adopt a list specifically defined by your organization. You can provide clear supplier requirements to adopt the MRSL such as supplier guidelines, requirements or contractual documents. An example of an MRSL could be the ZDHC MRSL.
- Answer yes if your company requires your suppliers to adopt your MRSL
- Answer no If your company does not require your suppliers to adopt your MRSL or your company does not have its own MRSL
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MTQ.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (SCP 2.2)
Evidence
Provide:
- The company needs to ensure that supplier communication (e.g., email, newsletter, supplier guidelines, contractual documents) includes a reference to the MRSL and clear language to underpin that the MRSL implementation is compulsory
- The company can provide evidence of respective communication flow, either by demonstrating the documents are in a place the suppliers can access and how they were informed about it or the respective communication to suppliers
Topic areas
Chemical management, MRSL
About this question
Having an escalation process in place helps to ensure that suppliers are adhering to the company’s chemical management program. It provides a clear path for addressing non-compliance and holding suppliers accountable. It can also be used as a tool for continuous improvement.
This question checks that your company has an escalation process in place, which is clearly communicated with the associated consequences, for those suppliers who don’t want to commit with the adoption of your MRSL.
- Answer yes if your company has an escalation process for those suppliers who do not commit to the adoption of the MRSL defined by your company
- Answer no if your company does not have an escalation process for those suppliers who do not commit to the adoption of the MRSL defined by your company
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MTU.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (SCP 2.6)
Evidence
Either
- Ideally, the company can provide SOPs, process charts, and communication flow charts. The company can also provide an internal responsibility matrix on maintaining the monitoring system
or
- Documentation of escalation cases, how these were discovered, steps taken and how cases were closed
Topic areas
Chemical management, MRSL
About this question
This question is about setting clear minimum requirements for checking the suppliers’ motivation and willingness prior to engaging in business relations with them. This question asks if your company has a requirement in-place at supplier selection phase.
- Answer yes if your company includes the requirement to adopt the MRSL when selecting supplier facilities
- Answer no if your company does not include the requirement to adopt the MRSL when selecting supplier facilities
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MTY.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (SCP 2.3)
Evidence
Provide:
- The company can e.g., provide evidence that suppliers are required to adopt the MRSL before they are considered eligible for any kind of production for your company (applicable for all orders, including but not limited to all sample-/test/orders, single-orders, frequent-/repeated orders)
and
- An internal policy should be provided that specifies this for the internal buying/ sourcing teams
and
- A supplier selection and onboarding policy and/or flowchart can be provided
Topic areas
Chemical management, MRSL
About this question
The question asks if your company ensures that suppliers understand how to actually use and implement the MRSL, selecting chemicals within the goals and requirements established. The main benefit of adopting an MRSL is to select the safer chemical alternatives at the beginning of the manufacturing processes.
- Answer yes if your company requires suppliers to adopt a chemical procurement policy with goals for MRSL
- Answer no if your company does not require suppliers to adopt a chemical procurement policy with goals for MRSL
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MTc.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (SCP 1.6)
Evidence
Provide:
- The requirement needs to be clearly phrased as part of the company’s supplier requirements or supplier guidebook. Even if referring to an industry CMS, the company needs to have this expectation specified in applicable documents
- A clear requirement should state what has to be done when or by when, by whom.
- A requirement may be linked to a KPI but can also be a to-do.
Note: A MRSL does not refer to chemicals in products, but to chemicals used in production. Bluesign and OEKO-TEX also offer RSL, so the company needs to refer to the respective MRSL specifically. It is also insufficient if the company provides a list of chemical substances without specifying how business partners are supposed to implement respective requirements. For MRSL, it needs to be e.g., ‘manufacturers are required to only use chemicals in line with the MRSL’ or ‘no chemicals must be used that contain substances listed on the MRSL’
Topic areas
Chemical management, MRSL
About this question
The question asks if your company has implemented a program or strategy to mitigate the risks associated with wastewater discharge within your supply chain.
- Answer yes if your can show evidence that your company has implemented a program or strategy to reduce or mitigate wastewater in your supply chain
- Answer no if no program or strategy have been implemented
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MTg.b
Evidence
Provide:
- The company can provide evidence that activities on the respective topics relate to either targets set, strategies formulated or a broader plan. The company can provide a respective strategy document, implementation plan or concept paper including, but not limited to, listing activities, goals, timelines and scope of intervention
Topic areas
Chemical management, wastewater
About this question
Wastewater guidelines are vital to mitigate a number of environmental and social risks.
Your company needs to ensure that supplier communication (e.g., email, newsletter, supplier guidelines, contractual documents) includes a reference to the wastewater guidelines and clear language to underpin that the implementation is compulsory.
- Answer yes if your company requires suppliers to implement wastewater guidelines
- Answer no if your company does not require suppliers to implement wastewater guidelines
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MTk.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (SCP 4.2)
Evidence
Provide:
- The respective wastewater guidelines can be part of a broader environmental policy, supplier requirements document or guidebook
- The wastewater guidelines might be a reference only to an industry wide wastewater guideline, such as the ZDHC Wastewater guidelines, or a wastewater guideline related to a specific certification standard as Bluesign or OEKO-TEX STeP
- The wastewater guidelines should specify parameters and limits to adhere with as well as expectations towards management practices
Note: In the case of sourcing via intermediaries, does the company require business partners to cascade respective requirements to applicable facilities (see FEM scope)
Topic areas
Chemical management, wastewater
About this question
Requiring suppliers to follow up on non-conformities in wastewater test results can help brands to manage risks and associated legal or regulatory action. This can be outlined in the guidelines and regularly monitored.
- Answer yes if your company requires suppliers to follow-up on non-conformances indicated in (any) wastewater test-results as described in the wastewater guidelines used
- Answer no if your company does not require suppliers to follow-up on non-conformances in wastewater results
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MjA.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (SCP 4.4)
Evidence
Provide:
- The company can provide evidence from e.g., supplier requirement document, guidebooks that suppliers are informed about monitoring and follow-up processes by the company based on the requirements set
Topic areas
Chemical management, wastewater
About this question
This question aims to understand your approach on the implementation of wastewater guidelines in your supply chain. Your company should ensure that suppliers who do not commit to follow minimum industry standards are managed and encouraged to do so.
- Answer yes if your company has an escalation process for those suppliers who do not commit to the adoption of your wastewater guidelines
- Answer no if your company does not have an escalation process for those suppliers who do not commit to the adoption of your wastewater guidelines
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MjE.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (SCP 4.6)
Evidence
Either
- Ideally, the company can provide SOPs, process charts, and communication flow charts. The company can also provide an internal responsibility matrix on maintaining the monitoring system
or
- Documentation of escalation cases, how these were discovered, steps taken and how cases were closed
Topic areas
Chemical management, wastewater
About this question
The company needs to ensure that a lack of supplier adherence requirements is reflected in subsequent business practices. Prior to imposed consequences, your company should inform suppliers about consequences to be expected in the case of not complying with supplier requirements and how to remediate. This question looks to explore the rigor of your company’s commitment to non-conformity.
- Answer yes if your company imposes consequences to suppliers who do not follow-up on non-conformances as indicated in wastewater test-results
- Answer no if your company does not impose consequences to suppliers who do not follow-up on non-conformances as indicated in wastewater test-results
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MjI.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (SCP 4.7)
Evidence
Either
- The company can provide evidence in form of communication or other documentation that non-conformities detected in monitoring were followed-up
or
- The company can satisfyingly demonstrate that there were no cases of non-conformities
Topic areas
Chemical management, wastewater
About this question
Your company needs to ensure that suppliers understand the exact expectation in terms of adherence to wastewater guidelines and test results. Your company should define a process for suppliers to provide evidence of meeting set requirements in the form of testing. The frequency, scope of testing, parameters etc. needs to be defined.
- Answer yes if wastewater testing results must meet a minimum level as specified by your company’s own standard or by other relevant standards or regulations (an example would be ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines)
- Answer no if wastewater testing results minimum level are not specified by your company’s own standard or by other relevant standards or regulations
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MjM.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (SCP 4.3)
Evidence
Provide:
- The company can provide satisfying evidence that based on the wastewater guidelines the company committed to, the suppliers must adhere to the parameters and limits set by the wastewater guidelines
Note: It is insufficient if the company refers to a wastewater guideline only. It needs to be phrased clearly what the minimum requirement for implementation is.
Topic areas
Chemical management, wastewater
About this question
Supporting suppliers to improve or reduce wastewater can encourage conformity and reduce risk. Wastewater strategies include setting limits on the types and concentrations of chemicals that can be discharged in wastewater, requiring suppliers to treat water, and initiatives to reduce, reuse and recycle wastewater.
- Answer yes if your company supports its suppliers in reducing wastewater and improving wastewater treatment
- Answer no if your company does not support its suppliers in reducing wastewater and improving wastewater treatment
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MjQ.b
Evidence
Provide:
- The company can provide evidence of support measures, e.g., implementation plans, budgets, responsibility matrix for company staff
Topic areas
Chemical management, wastewater
About this question
Requiring suppliers to actually work on the results from the Chemical Inventory List (CIL) conformance review can help suppliers – and thereby companies to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals and mitigate the associated risks.
This question asks your approach on the CIL conformance reviews and how suppliers are asked to work on this information.
- Answer yes if your company requires suppliers to work on the results of the Chemical Inventory List conformance review
- Answer no if your company does not require suppliers to work on the results of the Chemical Inventory List conformance review
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MjU.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (SCP 2.7)
Evidence
Provide:
- The company set clear requirements for suppliers to not only meet expectations in inventory conformance, but also to conduct follow-up work e.g., to improve the conformance rate, conduct Chemical Hazard Assessment (CHA) etc.
Topic areas
Chemical management
About this question
A Product Restricted Substances List (Product RSL) is a list of chemical substances that are prohibited, restricted, or otherwise regulated in certain products. The RSL may include substances that are known to be hazardous to human health or the environment, or those that are regulated by governmental or industry standards.
This question asks you to confirm if your company has implemented a program or strategy to ensure compliance with its RSL. The program or strategy should include: formal accountability defined, specific initiatives that are planned with defined timelines to achieve target and a dedicated budget.
- Answer yes if your company has implemented a strategy or program to ensure compliance with its RSL
- Answer no if your company has not implemented a strategy or program to ensure compliance with its RSL
Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MjY
Evidence
Either
- Links to published company’s program or strategy (e.g., public statement on corporate website, Sustainability report) and related documentation outlining the procedures, goals, and measures in place to ensure compliance with its Product RSL or other restricted chemicals lists (e.g., detailed implementation plan, including timelines, milestones, and responsible parties etc.)
or
- Company’s program or strategy and related documentation outlining the procedures, goals, and measures in place to ensure compliance with its Product RSL or other restricted chemicals lists (detailed implementation plan, including timelines, milestones, and responsible parties)
and
- Evidence of the company’s communication with employees and suppliers regarding the compliance program or strategy
and
- Evidence of oversight by senior management (e.g., ESG Committee minutes, CSR/Sustainability Director report, board/senior management resolutions or meeting minutes)
Topic areas
Chemical management, RSL
About this question
Manufacturers can be particularly averse to making significant changes in their operations, processes and inputs when they have already optimized a particular line or whole facility for efficiency, efficacy, speed, quality and/or cost. Asking for, or requiring change (e.g., for chemical substitutions) can be quite disruptive to an operation that has already been highly optimized. It is for this reason that a company (brand) should consider options that are more incentive based rather than purely compliance.
The most obvious incentives are increased business, however others may include limited cost sharing when significant investments need to be made, time based price concessions on materials that use advanced sustainable practice that need time to bring to scale, to simple but clear recognition for best suppliers in a public setting (sometimes this is the biggest incentive/reward).
This question is meant to determine how you incentivize and reward your supply chain partners to make improvements in their chemicals management.
- Answer yes if your company incentivizes and rewards your supply chain partners to make improvements in their chemicals management
- Answer no if your company does not incentivize and reward your supply chain partners to make improvements in their chemicals management
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.Mjc.b
Evidence
Either
- Ideally, the company can provide a policy, SOP, process chart, monitoring communication flow chart on how the demonstration of improvement is defined, monitored and how respective incentives are defined and applied. The company can also provide an internal responsibility matrix on maintaining the monitoring system
or
- Documentation of incentive cases, how these were defined, steps taken and how incentives were applied
Topic areas
Chemical management
About this question
Reporting publicly on your company’s progress on the implementation of its chemical management program is an indicator of commitment, transparency and good practice.
This question asks whether your company has reported publicly on the implementation of its chemical management program and the results of this implementation.
- Answer yes if you can provide evidence that your company has reported publicly on its implementation and results of its chemical management program
- Answer no if you cannot provide evidence that your company has reported publicly on its implementation and results of its chemical management program
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.Mjg.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (SCP 4.1)
Evidence
Provide:
- Links to most recent published reports indicating where your company’s Chemical Management Program, and the procedures, goals, and measures in place to ensure compliance with it can be found (e.g., ESG Report, Sustainability report, corporate section of website, third-party websites)
Topic areas
Chemical management, transparency
About this question
Reporting publicly on your company’s commitment to the implementation of its MRSL is an indicator of transparency and good practice.
- Answer yes if you can provide evidence that your company has reported publicly its commitment to the implementation of its MRSL
- Answer no if you cannot provide evidence that your company has reported publicly its commitment to the implementation of its MRSL
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.Mjk.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (SCP 2.1)
Evidence
Provide:
- Links to most recent published reports indicating where your company’s Product MRSL, and the procedures, goals, and measures in place to ensure compliance with it can be found (e.g., ESG Report, Sustainability report, corporate section of website, third-party websites)
Topic areas
Chemical management, MRSL, transparency
About this question
Reporting publicly on your company’s commitment on the implementation of its RSL is an indicator of commitment, transparency and good practice.
- Answer yes if you can provide evidence that your company has reported publicly its commitment to the implementation of its RSL
- Answer no if you cannot provide evidence that your company has reported publicly its commitment to the implementation of its RSL
Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MzA
Evidence
Provide:
- Links to most recent published reports indicating where your company’s Product RSL, and the procedures, goals, and measures in place to ensure compliance with it can be found (e.g., ESG Report, Sustainability report, corporate section of website, third-party websites)
Topic areas
Chemical management, RSL, transparency
About this question
Relevant stakeholders, including employees, workers, civil society or government representatives can provide guidance and input in the development of your chemical management program. Stakeholder engagement is the process of identifying, analyzing, planning and engaging with individuals, and groups that are affected by a company’s activities. Engaging with stakeholders is a core element of good governance. In relation to chemical matters, stakeholders include employees (e.g., product design), workers (e.g., at manufacturing facilities), suppliers, local authorities, as well as expert advisors.
This question asks whether your company has engaged with relevant stakeholders to inform the development of its chemical management system.
- Answer yes if you can provide evidence that your company engaged with stakeholders as part of the development of its chemical management program
- Answer no if your company did not engage with stakeholders as part of the development of its chemical management program, or if you cannot provide evidence of stakeholder engagement
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MzE.b
Mapping: Aligned with ZDHC (Corp 3.2)
Evidence
Either
- Partnership agreements with e.g., NGO, expert consultancy or other third-parties engaged to carry-out stakeholder engagement work
or
- Link or screenshot demonstrating mechanisms used for stakeholder consultation (e.g., survey, focus groups)
and
- Internal documents describing process and outcomes of consultation – verified by senior leadership
and
- Evidence of stakeholder feedback and its incorporation into the development of its chemical management program or strategy
Topic areas
Chemical management, stakeholder engagement
About this question
Working collaboratively with other businesses, civil society or governmental groups is an effective way to drive progress in complex issues. In relation to chemicals matters, examples could include joining forces with other industry actors to set up a collective system to address chemical impact in the value chain, such as working with NGOs and advocacy groups to promote the use of safer chemicals in the textile industry and raise awareness about the environmental and health impacts of hazardous chemicals.
This question provides an opportunity to demonstrate that your company takes a collaborative approach by working with other businesses, civil society and stakeholders.
- Answer yes if you can provide evidence that your company has participated in collaborative initiatives to address chemical impacts in the value chain
- Answer no if you have no evidence of collaborative work, or if collaboration has not formed part of your strategy
Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MzI
Evidence
Either
- Link to published information (e.g., ESG Report, Sustainability report, corporate website, third-party websites) where it is described the specific partnership, agreement or initiatives and the organization your company is partnering with
or
- Evidence of collaboration with stakeholders, supply chain partners, or local entities, such as meeting records, emails, or contracts
Topic areas
Chemical management, stakeholder engagement
About this question
Sustainable or green chemistry requires collaboration and innovation among different stakeholders. This question asks if your company is supporting the transition towards more sustainable production techniques and a less impactful industry.
For example, by working closely with chemical suppliers, a company can identify and source safer, more sustainable chemicals that can be used in its production processes. Research institutions and universities are also valuable partners for companies looking to implement sustainable or green chemistry practices, as they can provide expertise in the development and implementation of new technologies and processes.
- Answer yes if you can provide evidence that your company has participated in collaborative initiatives to accelerate the adoption of sustainable or green chemistry
- Answer no if you have no evidence of collaborative work, or if collaboration has not formed part of your strategy to accelerate the adoption of sustainable or green chemistry
Applicability: Brand, Retailer, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MTMzCg
Evidence
Either
- Link to published information (e.g., ESG Report, Sustainability report, corporate website, third-party websites) where it is described the specific company’s membership in relevant industry associations, or networks focused on sustainable or green chemistry
or
- Evidence of collaboration with stakeholders, such as: participation in conferences, workshops, or webinars, collaboration with academia, research institutions, or non-profit organizations, examples of the company’s contributions to sharing best practices and case studies on sustainable or green chemistry (e.g., published articles, white papers, blog posts, or presentations at industry events, contribution to the development of standards, guidelines, or certifications)
Topic areas
Chemical management, sustainable / green chemistry, stakeholder engagement
About this question
Increased access to finance can significantly accelerate the improvement of the chemical management in the supply chain in the textile, apparel and footwear industry. Either through direct co-investment, or through other support mechanisms, Brands and Retailers can ensure chemical management initiatives are appropriately funded.
In relation to chemicals matters, examples could include providing financial support to textile mills and manufacturers to help them adopt safer chemical management practices, providing funding to NGOs or expert organizations to help them develop new programs and initiatives focused on reducing chemical impacts in supply chain.
This question provides an opportunity to demonstrate your company’s commitment to contribute resources to accelerate the improvement of chemical management.
- Answer yes if you can provide evidence that your company has developed, supported or fund any mechanism to accelerate the improvement of the chemical management in the supply chain
- Answer no if you cannot provide evidence that your company has developed, supported or fund any mechanism to accelerate the improvement of the chemical management in the supply chain, or if these activities have not formed part of your strategy
Applicability: Brand, Brand and Retailer
Reference ID: ech.MzQ.b
Evidence
Either
- Link to published information (e.g., ESG Report, Sustainability report, corporate website, third-party websites) where it is described the specific mechanism that your company is developing, supporting or funding
or
- Documentation of the company’s involvement in the development, support, or funding of mechanisms focused on the improvement of the chemical management in the supply chain including relevant project details, timelines, and objectives
and
- Evidence of collaboration with stakeholders such as meeting records, emails, or contracts
Topic areas
Chemical management, sustainable investment and innovation