The overall timeline is divided into two phases: the introduction period and the implementation period.
Introduction Period
The introduction period runs from October 2025, with the publication of the ZDHC MMCF Guidelines V3.0, until December 2026. The year 2026 will serve as the first calendar year in which data must be collected in accordance with the ZDHC MMCF Guidelines V3.0, to be reported in 2027.
Key Actions:
Study guidelines and participate in related ZDHC webinars.
Adopt MMCF Guidelines V3.0 into policies and standard operating procedures.
Activate upstream dissolved pulp mills to implement the ZDHC Dissolved Pulp Guidelines V1.0.
Identify ZDHC Approved Wastewater Lab in the region to conduct wastewater and sludge testing.
Conduct wastewater and sludge testing in April and October cycles and gather additional data for the first submission period.
Implementation Period
The implementation period starts in January 2027 with the first submission period of the MMCF Module V3.0 on the ZDHC Supplier Platform and will continue until the next update of the ZDHC MMCF Guidelines is released.
Key Actions:
Submit the MMCF Module on the Supplier Platform and support the third-party review if necessary.
Based on results, set improvement targets and implement improvement measures.
Conduct wastewater and sludge testing in April and October cycles and gather additional data for the next submission period.