Road Map to Zero has come up with the ZDHC Dissolved Pulp Guidelines V1.0 and ZDHC Standard Industry Approach Implementation Guide V1.0 to address the use and discharge of chemicals in wood-based dissolved pulp manufacturing.
- Dissolved pulp is the primary feedstock for producing man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCF).
- The guidelines have been developed to enhance the transparency of responsible production in the entire MMCF supply chain, from wood sourcing to production. It includes chemical recovery, wastewater and air emission requirements for wood-based dissolved pulp facilities.
The Objectives: The ZDHC Dissolved Pulp Guidelines V1.0 addresses integrated expectations for chemical recovery and discharged wastewater quality for manufacturing facilities producing dissolved pulp from wood as a feedstock. The document covers:
- Overview of dissolved pulp and bleaching processes.
- Chemical recovery in dissolved pulp processes.
- Wastewater requirements for dissolved pulp processes.
Target audience: It is hoped that brands would share the guidelines with their suppliers and encourage implementation across the supply chain.
- The dissolved pulp manufacturers are also expected to take action to implement best practices and meet requirements.
Background: Dissolved pulp (DP) is the primary feedstock for producing man-made cellulosic fibres like viscose staple fibres (VSF), modal, viscose filament yarn (VFY), lyocell and acetate with high cellulose content (alpha-cellulose).
- Dissolved pulp making includes processes to extract cellulose from wood or textile waste as raw material, followed by bleaching to improve the brightness of the pulp, which is then chemically processed to create regenerated cellulosic fibres for various textile applications.
- Clean input and efficient process management is crucial in dissolved pulp (DP) manufacturing. They enable high-quality output while minimising environmental impact.
ABOUT ROAD MAP TO ZERO: The Roadmap to Zero Programme is a collaborative, multi-stakeholder initiative that works with various stakeholders in the fashion industry to phase out hazardous chemicals from the global value chain of fashion.
- Organised around three interlinked focus areas, Input, Process and, Output, it comprises in-depth guidelines, tools and educational modules and progressive leader programmes. Together, they facilitate and map the implementation of the programme and form a mutually supportive community.
- At present, its Committed Community numbers over 320 ZDHC Signatories, and is devoted to the collective vision of creating a world in which better chemistry leads to the protection of life, land, air and water.
