The facility engages with direct upstream input material suppliers & subcontractors to improve chemical management practices, aligned with the RtZ Programme

Engagement with upstream suppliers is critical for ensuring conformance with the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) requirements and supporting implementation of the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme throughout the value chain.

Upstream suppliers

Upstream suppliers are suppliers of processed or partially processed materials that are part of the manufacturing facility's supply chain and whose processes may influence chemical conformance, traceability, wastewater performance, and overall chemical management outcomes.

Examples include:

• Dyed fibre or yarn suppliers supplying to fabric manufacturers
• Dyed fabric suppliers supplying to printing, coating, finishing, or garment manufacturing facilities
• Printed fabric suppliers supplying to garment manufacturers
• Garment washing, dyeing, printing, coating or finishing subcontractors
• Leather processing subcontractors supplying semi-finished or finished leather

Out of scope

The following are generally outside the scope of upstream supplier engagement under this approach:

• Chemical formulators and chemical suppliers
• Greige fibre, yarn, or fabric suppliers that do not undertake wet processing
• Fibre manufacturers (e.g., MMCF producers, synthetic fibre manufacturers)
• Commodity chemical suppliers

Suppliers should maintain oversight of their sub-suppliers and subcontractors, assess their chemical management capabilities and establish traceability of materials and processes throughout the supply chain. Upstream supplier engagement should therefore be incorporated into the facility's transparency policy, traceability policy and supply chain assessment programme.

Objectives of upstream supplier engagement

The engagement programme should aim to:

• Improve supply chain transparency and traceability.
• Promote ZDHC MRSL conformance throughout the supply chain.
• Reduce chemical-related risks associated with incoming materials.
• Improve wastewater and environmental performance.
• Strengthen supplier capability in chemical management.
• Support continuous improvement and responsible sourcing practices.

Expectations for upstream suppliers

Upstream suppliers should:

• Be registered on the ZDHC Gateway.
• Purchase and use ZDHC MRSL conformant chemical products.
• Monitor chemical purchases for ZDHC MRSL conformance.
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date Chemical Inventory List (CIL).
• Maintain a Material Inventory List (MIL), where applicable.
• Generate and review ZDHC InCheck Reports.
• Conduct wastewater testing in accordance with the ZDHC Wastewater and Sludge Guidelines requirements where wet processing activities are performed. Upload wastewater data to the ZDHC Gateway and generate ClearStream Reports.
• Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for identified non-conformities and implement Corrective Action Plans (CAPs).
• Implement a Chemical Management System aligned with the ZDHC RtZ Programme.
• Complete the ZDHC Supplier to Zero Assessment and achieve at least a Supplier to Zero Level 1 or Level 2.

Responsibilities of main production facilities

Main production facilities should:

• Communicate ZDHC MRSL and chemical management requirements to upstream suppliers.
• Provide training, guidance and awareness programmes on best practices in chemical management.
• Share resources and tools that support the implementation of ZDHC requirements.
• Conduct supplier assessments and periodic performance reviews.
• Monitor supplier performance against agreed KPIs.
• Support suppliers in addressing non-conformities and implementing CAPs.
• Encourage participation in ZDHC Academy training programmes.
• Promote continuous improvement and progression within ZDHC Supplier to Zero.