Launched in 2011 by six leading brands, Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Program now consists of 22 signatory brands, eleven value chain affiliates and four associates. Contributors include apparel and footwear companies such as Burberry, Benneton, Gap, H&M, Inditex, Marks & Spencer, Nike, Puma and Adidas.

The program envisions widespread implementation of sustainable chemistry to protect consumers, workers and the environment. It aims to harmonise standards across the textile and footwear value chain (including leather) to support safer chemical management.

A key component of the program is its manufacturing restricted substances list, which restricts the use of hazardous chemicals used across the manufacturing process.

Among members are Adidas, Nike, Levi Strauss, Puma, C&A, Esprit, G-Star Raw, H&M, Inditex, Jack Wolfskin, Li Ning and New Balance.

Four new members are Netherlands based leather chemical manufacturer Stahl, leather manufacturer PrimeAsia, ADEC Innovations (an impact investing company that designs, develops and delivers diverse data management and technology solutions) and Lanzhou Ketian New Materials (a leading supplier of Chinese waterborne synthetics).

The program has completed chemical use and management surveys and wastewater testing for approximately 150 substances at 20 facilities in Bangladesh, China, India, Taiwan and Vietnam. It’s working on compiling information on chemicals used in the textile industry.