Background

With the release of the MMCF Guidelines and the Dissolved Pulp Guidelines, ZDHC is approaching the specific chemical management challenges of the man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCF) industry, including the production of pulp for viscose staple fibre, viscose filament yarn, modal, lyocell, acetate and cupro. These guidelines aim to enhance chemical safety and circularity in this supply chain by addressing specific production processes, such as safe feedstock and chemical input management, chemical recovery processes, and responsible air and wastewater discharge practices.

For more detailed information, find two webinars on the ZDHC MMCF Guidelines V2.2 on the Academy Platform:

•  ZDHC MMCF Programme: Overview, Standards Alignment and the Role of Brands as Leverage Points

•  ZDHC Guidelines Update - Deep-dive in the ZDHC MMCF Guidelines 2.2 & MMCF Module V2.0 Walkthrough

What actions can brands take?

Brands should be committed to the implementation of the latest version of the ZDHC MMCF Guidelines by taking the following actions:

• Establishing clear sourcing policies that prioritise suppliers committed to implementing these guidelines.

• Engaging and communicating proactively with suppliers and cascading the requirements to the upstream supply chain partners to ensure compliance and provide support where needed.

• Participating in the discussions of the topic-specific focus groups to share your expertise and collaborate on developing the next steps (only for ZDHC Signatories).

By taking these steps, brands can commit to contributing and driving systemic change and, by doing so, align with other recognised industry standards, such as Canopy’s Hot Button Report and the upcoming Textile Exchange’s Material Matter Standard.

MMCF sourcing policy

Through a dedicated MMCF sourcing policy brands should require their suppliers to comply with the latest version of the ZDHC MMCF Guidelines and obtain the MMCF Module certificate according to the industry implementation approach document. Or alternatively cascading the policy requirement through sourcing agents to suppliers.

• For sourcing viscose staple fibres (VSF) and modal fibres, MMCF suppliers must have reached at least the Progressive Level outcome in calendar year 2024’s assessment and Aspirational Level outcome in calendar year 2025’s assessment.

• For sourcing viscose filament yarn (VFY), lyocell, cupro and acetate fibres, MMCF suppliers should have reached at least foundational level outcome in calendar year 2025’s assessment.

• Additionally, brands can leverage sustainable chemical management in their supply chain by requiring their MMCF suppliers to source from dissolved pulp facilities that have implemented the latest ZDHC Dissolved Pulp Guidelines V1.0.

Communication and awareness

• The MMCF Guidelines V3.0 should be shared internally within the organisation, especially with the relevant stakeholders in charge of supplier engagement.

• Vendors and suppliers of the organisation should be made aware of the updates of the MMCF Guidelines and participate in webinars and other training formats offered by ZDHC.

• Work out time-bound goals and milestones with suppliers to complete improvements where necessary. 

Connect with ZDHC and don’t miss the opportunity to:

• Participate in relevant webinars

• Connect directly with the suppliers and formulators

• Find out about the industry’s common challenges and progress in finding solutions

• Be part of a movement and benefit from peer-to-peer learning