ZDHC said it is advancing its work through the Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) and the Roadmap to Zero Programme by collaborating with chemical formulators, suppliers, brands, and solution providers.
The programme aims to ensure risks associated with PFAS, widely known as "forever chemicals", are clearly identified, verified through suitable testing protocols, and systematically removed from manufacturing processes.
Key priorities for ZDHC include providing clear guidance on the definitions of PFAS, enhancing alignment on testing and screening methodologies, and clarifying the interpretation of evidence required before any action is taken.
“We recognise that PFAS management is complex, shaped by evolving regulation, testing limitations, and supply chain realities," ZDHC said in a statement.
"For this reason, ZDHC is actively engaging stakeholders across the industry to support a more consistent and science-based approach to managing PFAS in manufacturing inputs.”
The new initiatives are designed to improve decision-making across the supply chain by clarifying risks associated with PFAS in chemical formulations and specifying how information should be communicated and expectations implemented in practical terms.
ZDHC, which comprises more than 320 signatories, also plans to continue its stakeholder engagement as it develops the next phase of guidance.
This includes updates to the MRSL and a comprehensive communication on PFAS, scheduled for release in October 2026.
In the meantime, the organisation stated it would continue supporting its partners as they transition to safer practices.
PFAS, due to their persistent nature in the environment, present a significant challenge to the industry’s efforts to build safer and more circular value chains in textiles, apparel, footwear, and leather.
ZDHC maintains that PFAS have no role in standard manufacturing and has prioritised the elimination of intentionally used PFAS in production inputs.
It also aims to address challenges related to detection, trace presence, and implementation with a science-based approach.
