Specialty chemical company Stahl has achieved the highest level of ZDHC Gateway compliance for its wet-end and leather finishing portfolios. As a world leader in coatings, processing and treatments for everyday materials, the Level 3 certification – which includes product testing and on-site audits – underlines Stahl’s commitment to using responsible chemistry to improve its environmental footprint and contribute to driving positive change in the leather industry.
The aim of the ZDHC certification process is to help companies that work with the footwear, apparel and accessories industries exhibit their commitment to responsible chemical management, working towards the ultimate goal of the zero discharge of hazardous chemicals.
Level 3 ZDHC Gateway conformance certification
To achieve Level 3 ZDHC Gateway certification, Chem-MAP® tested Stahl products and raw materials and conducted on-site audits of the company’s key European manufacturing facilities. Following the successful verification of Stahl’s chemical management process, Stahl has been awarded Level 3 ZDHC Gateway certification for its wet-end and leather finishing product portfolio, visible to suppliers sourcing responsible chemistry on the ZDHC Gateway.
Michael Costello, group director environmental, social & governance at Stahl states: “Stahl's strategic goal is to achieve a crystal-clear supply chain so that stakeholders can take better decisions on their environmental and social impact. The decision to join the ZDHC programme, in 2016, was based on our belief that the ZDHC Foundation and Stahl shared this ambitious common goal of transparency. Achieving ZDHC Gateway Level 3 conformance for our global leather portfolio is therefore not only a confirmation of our long-term commitment to the elimination of restricted substances, it is a significant milestone on the road to a truly transparent supply chain.”
Chem-MAP® verification
Chem-MAP® is a ZDHC Level 1 and Level 3 service provider that works through the audit process with chemical manufacturers. Chem-MAP® uses MRSL testing and on-site chemical management audits at facilities to verify chemical and stewardship processes. This ensures that the applicant company’s formulations conform to the limits of the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) and demonstrates its dedication to improved upstream chemical management and, ultimately, to reducing its chemical footprint.
“We are delighted to award Level 3 ZDHC Gateway certification to Stahl to demonstrate their on-going commitment to responsible chemistry. Working with Stahl on achieving value chain transparency has been notable achievement for Stahl and the Chem-MAP® team,” says Victoria Addy, technical director of Eurofins | BLC, the UK testing lab that owns the Chem-MAP® verification system.
