ZDHC sets new standard for sustainable polyester recycling

ZDHC has announced the release of two transformative documents aimed at advancing sustainable chemical management in the polyester recycling process.

Polyester Recycling Guidelines V1.0 and the Industry Standard Implementation Approach V1.0 are designed to enhance transparency across the textile, leather, and footwear industries by providing a unified framework for responsible recycled polyester production.

These comprehensive guidelines focus on three critical areas: Input Management, Process Management, and Output Management. They provide clear guidance on sourcing and handling recycled materials, such as bottles and textiles, and managing production chemicals safely. The guidelines also address best practices for chemical recovery, storage, and handling to ensure worker safety. Moreover, they outline strategies for reducing environmental impacts by managing emissions from wastewater, sludge, and air pollutants during polyester production.

In addition to the guidelines, ZDHC has introduced an implementation approach, offering a detailed roadmap for industry adoption. This approach is aimed at aligning industry stakeholders with ZDHC’s vision of eliminating hazardous chemicals from textile production, advancing supply chain transparency, and promoting sustainable development.

“This initiative fills a critical gap in managing recycled polyester materials, setting a new standard for environmental stewardship and worker protection,” said Liping Chai, Marketing Director at ZDHC. ZDHC encourages the global textile industry to adopt these guidelines to drive more sustainable and transparent practices throughout the supply chain.