Brands and suppliers- Are expected to update their internal and external policies according to the ZDHC Dissolved Pulp Guidelines V1.0, share the guidelines with their supply chain and encourage implementation.
Dissolved pulp manufacturers - Are expected to read and understand the document. Taking action to implement best practices and meet requirements.
The implementation period starts with the first reporting cycle for the ZDHC Dissolved Pulp Guidelines V1.0, which begins on 1st January 2026 and ends on 31st March 2026. 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 suppliers will report on the ZDHC Supplier Platform via a module including an unverified self-assessment based on the requirements in the guidelines. Suppliers will then receive a ZDHC Dissolved Pulp Module 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 on the ZDHC Supplier Platform module. 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 Dissolved Pulp 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 Dissolved Pulp Module on the ZDHC Supplier Platform | Assessment on the Dissolved Pulp Module on the ZDHC Supplier Platform |
Third-party verification | No | Yes |
Outcome | Certificate of Completion (without 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 a ZDHC Approved Wastewater Labs, if present in the region, otherwise by alternative wastewater labs with ISO 17025 accreditation and relevant test methods. |
The successful implementation of the Dissolved Pulp 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.
The limit values have been validated through pilot tests. A total of six mills participated, representing various regions including Canada, the EU, North America, Asia, and South Africa.
Dissolved pulp suppliers 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.