The ZDHC Joint Roadmap - Jack Wolfskin

SECTION 3
ZDHC Principles
Our aspiration is to create positive and lasting change in the discharge of hazardous chemicals across the
apparel and footwear industry. We believe that a pragmatic, step‐wise approach with a focus on early wins is
the most effective way to achieve our ambitious 2020 goals. We are constantly striving to balance this
ambition with on‐the‐ground realities and scientific insights to effectively and efficiently deliver the change we
seek.
3.1 What We Believe
The ZDHC community is committed to several guiding principles that inform, direct and underpin every aspect
of this programme. These principles include support of the Precautionary Principle 5 and systemic (that is,
wider societal and policy) change to achieve zero discharge of hazardous chemicals across supply chains and
product life cycles. We recognize that if we are to deliver lasting solutions, our actions need to be guided by
transparency, fact‐based decision‐making and an integrated approach to chemicals management throughout
the supply chain.
To achieve the goal of zero discharge of hazardous chemicals, mechanisms for disclosure and transparency
about the hazardous chemicals used in our global supply chains both are important and necessary. Disclosure,
in line with the Right to Know principle 6 , will be one of the most challenging issues encountered on the path to
zero discharge of hazardous chemicals by 2020. We wish to move the industry to a new level of transparency
in chemical usage, but also must understand the technical capacity, cost, regulatory implications and
confidential business information issues for individual chemical suppliers (Tier 3 suppliers) and manufacturing
suppliers (Tier 1 and 2 suppliers) to meet this expectation.
3.2 How We Work
The pursuit of our 2020 goals must be implemented through a workable, on‐the‐ground approach that is
grounded in science. If we are looking for sustainable solutions, these must address the realities of our diverse
and complex global supply chains. To this end, we support decision making that builds on sound scientific and
regulatory principles and is connected to the reality of supply‐chain change management. We know that
effective solutions will require a holistic, integrated chemicals management approach that addresses inputs,
process innovation and end‐of‐pipe control. In addition, a strong push for innovation in chemical development
and manufacturing processes will be required.
Our goals demand the collective action of industry and other stakeholders. We believe that the elimination of
hazardous chemicals requires not only collaboration and partnership with our industry peers, but also with
stakeholders across our supply chain. From our past experiences with supply chain engagement, we realize
that industry coalitions are important mechanisms for standardizing messages, tools and requirements, and
also in presenting a stronger case for industry change than any individual brand could present. This collective
voice becomes more important as we move further into our supply chains, where each individual brand makes
up only a small percentage of business volume at Tier 2 and 3 suppliers.
We strive for continuous learning and improvement within our own organizations and throughout our supply
chains. To facilitate this learning, we are committed to sharing our work openly to accelerate learning for our
group and stakeholders. In the end, our priority is tangible progress, both through development of industrywide
best practices and on‐the‐ground implementation, the results of which are publically shared and
reported.
5 The Precautionary Principle means that when (on the basis of available evidence) an activity may harm human health or the environment, a cautious
approach should be taken in advance, even if the full extent of harm has not yet been fully established scientifically. It recognizes that such proof of
harm may never be possible, at least until it is too late to avoid or reverse the damage done. The process of applying the Precautionary Principle must
involve an examination of the full range of alternatives, including where necessary the development of sustainable alternatives where they do not exist.
6 “Right to Know Principle” is defined as practices that allow members of the public access to environmental information. In this case, it is specifically
about the use and discharge of chemicals based on reported quantities of releases of hazardous chemicals to the environment, facility‐by‐facility, yearby‐year.
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