Fibre production is a key element of the value chain and one that, in many cases, requires chemically intensive processes to transform raw materials into textile fibres. Therefore, ZDHC has included fibre production as a specific/separate approach in the Roadmap to Zero Programme and created guidelines to set high standards for sustainable chemical management to protect the people and environment affected.

The MMCF industry is currently the third-biggest fibre industry globally and it poses two big sustainability challenges: deforestation and chemical pollution or intoxication. MMCF production processes require intensive chemical input, including hazardous chemicals such as carbon disulfide (CS₂), to transform cellulose into fibre. These, as well as bleaching agents and solvents used in this industry, pose a risk to workers, local communities and ecosystems if not managed properly. For this reason, ZDHC has decided to approach these challenges in a collaborative way, working together with key stakeholders of this growing industry to establish high standards for fibre production.