What are the expectations of the ZDHC Recycled Polyester Guidelines V1.0?
Brands, retailers and suppliers using recycled polyester: Are expected to share the ZDHC Recycled Polyester Guidelines V1.0 with their supply chain and encourage implementation.
Recycled polyester facilities: Are expected to read and understand the document. Taking action to implement best practices and meet requirements.
ZDHC Approved Wastewater Laboratories: Shouls review the test methods and limits detailed in the guidelines.
How can recycled polyester facilities initiate implementation and effectively manage the transition process?
The implementation period starts with the first reporting cycle for the ZDHC Recycled Polyester Guidelines V1.0, which begins on 1 January 2026 and ends on 31 March 2026 for calendar year 2025 assessment. The general implementation period will continue with yearly assessment cycles until the publication of the next update of these guidelines.
Year 1 (calendar year 2025) - transition phase
The first reporting cycle will be considered a transition phase in which polyester recycling facilities will report on the ZDHC Supplier Platform via a module that includes a self-assessment based on the requirements in the guidelines. The assessment will not be reviewed by a third-party reviewer. Suppliers will then receive a Recycled Polyester Module V1.0 Certificate of Completion.
Year 2 (calendar year 2026) and onwards - verified assessment
Starting with the second reporting cycle, the implementation of the guidelines will be carried out through a verified assessment module on the ZDHC Supplier Platform. Suppliers will receive a Certificate of Completion (with the achieved score) and an assessment report that can be used to identify opportunities for improvement.
The following table summarises the implementation approach foreseen for the ZDHC Recycled Polyester Guidelines V1.0. It highlights the differences between the transition phase and the rest of the implementation period.
| Year 1 (Calendar Year 2025) - Transition Phase | Year 2 (Calendar Year 2026) and onwards - Verified Assessment | |
|---|---|---|
| Reporting format | Self-assessment on the Recycled Polyester Module on the ZDHC Supplier Platform | Verified assessment on the Recycled Polyester Module on the ZDHC Supplier Platform |
| Third-party verification | No | Yes |
| Outcome | Certificate of Completion (without a score) | Certificate of Completion including the achieved score and an assessment report |
| Implementation roadmap | Completion of the module | Year 2: Foundational Level outcome |
| Lab approach | Testing is done by ZDHC Approved Wastewater Labs, if present in the region, otherwise by alternative wastewater labs with ISO 17025 accreditation and relevant test methods. | |
What defines the successful implementation of ZDHC Recycled Polyester Guidelines?
The successful implementation of the Recycled Polyester Guidelines V1.0 entails the completion of its module on the Supplier Platform. In year one, it will be done through a self-assessment, achieving a Certificate of Completion. From year two onwards, through a verified assessment, suppliers should ensure meeting the requirements on the guidelines and achieve at least a Foundational Level outcome.
What is the recommended approach for recycled polyester suppliers to conduct wastewater testing?
Recycled polyester facilities should approach ZDHC Approved Wastewater Labs in the respective regions to complete their wastewater testing. Only in the cases where there aren’t any ZDHC-Approved Wastewater Labs in the region, suppliers should find alternative laboratories to conduct wastewater testing. These must have an ISO 17025 accreditation with the relevant test methods included in the accreditation scope.
Do ZDHC Approved Wastewater Laboratories require separate approval to test wastewater from recycled polyester facilities?
ZDHC Approved Wastewater Laboratories can expand their testing capabilities to include the Dissolved Pulp Guidelines V1.0 and the Recycled Polyester Guidelines V1.0. These services will be covered by their current wastewater approval contract and can be performed without additional review. Testing to the new guidelines will occur in two cycles: the first from November 2024 to April 2025 and the second from May 2025 to October 2025. For more information, click here
Does air emissions testing need to be conducted by a ZDHC Approved Laboratory?
Multiple options are available for reporting VOC emissions. One recommended option is sampling and testing by an ISO 17025-accredited third-party laboratory. The selected standard test methods should align with the requirements of the respective manufacturing region.