The Recycled Polyester Module serves as the dedicated ZDHC tool to assess and certify suppliers in the implementation of the latest ZDHC Recycled Polyester Guidelines chemical management requirements.

This module enables recycled polyester suppliers to demonstrate advanced sustainable chemical management knowledge. Its objective is to establish responsible feedstock sourcing practices, improve chemical recovery and reduce pollution through wastewater and air emissions originating from the recycled polyester production process.

The module marks the entry point to take full ownership of your ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme implementation efforts. Facilities are expected to assess what is needed to report against Input, Process and Output Management and plan accordingly by completing the module questions. The questionnaire is based on the ZDHC Recycled Polyester Guidelines V1.0 framework. By answering these questions, facilities demonstrate their awareness of sustainable chemical management in achieving the limits for input feedstock and chemical management, chemical recovery, wastewater discharge and air emissions during recycled polyester production.

The Recycled Polyester Module can be accessed on the ZDHC Supplier Platform.

To do so, the facility should:

• Have access to the ZDHC Gateway*
• Use their ZDHC Gateway credentials to access the Supplier Platform
• Request access to the Recycled Polyester Module via email to supplierplatform@zdhc.org and provide the following information:
  • Facility name (as provided on Gateway)
  • Facility’s account ID (AID as provided on Gateway)

*If your facility does not have a Gateway account yet, please go to the following article for instructions on how to create one: Getting a ZDHC Gateway account (Supplier).

• ZDHC Recycled Polyester Guidelines V1.0
• ZDHC Recycled Polyester Guidelines Industry Standard Implementation Approach V1.1

It is not mandatory to use the Recycled Polyester Module. However, it offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen your market position, as many brands in the ZDHC community are integrating implementation of the ZDHC Recycled Polyester Guidelines into their sourcing requirements. The Recycled Polyester Module is the only ZDHC tool that assesses and certifies a supplier’s implementation of these guidelines.

Chapter 1: Input Management

• Invoices for feedstock
• Filled out Material Inventory List (MIL)
• Filled out Chemical Inventory List (CIL)
• Test report of hazardous substance risk in input feedstock (optional)
• SDS and TDS of chemicals
• ZDHC MRSL Level 1 conformance Certificate of input chemicals

Chapter 2: Process Management

• Process Flow Diagrams / Process description in permits (optional)
• Filled out solvent recovery calculation sheet
• Chemical storage procedure
• PPE assessment
• Chemical spillage procedure
• Fire / evacuation drill records
• First aid kit overview
• First aid procedure
• Eyewash evidence
• PPE availability evidence
• Proof of training plan & calendar
• Training records

Chapter 3: Output Management

• ETP flow diagram
• Environmental permit / Discharge permit
• Wastewater test report from ZDHC Approved Wastewater Lab or ISO 17025 certified lab
• Waste disposal plan & duly signed declaration
• VOC monitoring / tracking data
• Images of air emission monitoring system indicating locations

Transition Phase (Year 1) – Self-assessment

€199 Supplier Platform submission fee

Verified Assessment (Year 2 onwards)

€199 Supplier Platform submission fee + Third-party reviewer fee (tbd)

By completing the Recycled Polyester Module suppliers can advance in their sustainable chemical management journey, achieving high standards of chemical recovery, wastewater and air emission management, among other indicators.

When participating in the module, recycled polyester suppliers will receive a Recycled Polyester Module certificate (a Certificate of Completion in year 1 –2025– and a Certificate of Achievement in year 2 –2026–) which they can use to position themselves by setting high standards for sustainable practices and promoting transparency in the supply chain.

The scope of the Recycled Polyester Module follows the ZDHC Recycled Polyester Guidelines V1.0.

In scope are facilities using the following processes for recycled polyester production:

• Feedstock cleaning
• Decolourisation
• Recycling techniques:
  • Mechanical & Thermomechanical recycling
  • Hydrothermal process
  • Chemical recycling
  • Glycolysis
  • Glycolysis followed by transesterification
  • Methanolysis
  • Hydrolysis

Input Management

• Responsible feedstock sourcing
• Best practices for input chemical management

Process Management

• Solvent recovery in chemical recycling
• Safe chemical storage
• Chemical handling and worker safety
• Training in chemical management

Output Management

• Wastewater discharge
• Air emissions

Recycled Polyester Module updates are launched along with each update of the ZDHC Recycled Polyester Guidelines, aligning the module as assessment tool to the updated requirements.

Currently, only one version of the Recycled Polyester Module has been launched (as per December 2025).

If earlier updates are to be launched, the recycled polyester community will get notified.

The ZDHC Recycled Polyester Guidelines V1.0 and the wider ZDHC framework focus on continuous improvement. Therefore, the Recycled Polyester Module certificates have limited validity of one year.

The submission cycle for each reporting year takes place between 1st January and 31st March of the following year to the calendar year to be reported.

For example: the data gathered during calendar year 2025 should be reported on the Recycled Polyester Module between January and March 2026.

Year 1 (self-assessment)

• Certificate of Completion (without score) – to be downloaded from the Supplier Platform
• Assessment Report – detailed breakdown of the supplier’s performance against each criteria point of the module assessment. It will be sent to the supplier by the ZDHC via email.

Year 2 onwards (verified assessment)

• Certificate of Achievement (with achieved score) – to be downloaded from the Supplier Platform
• Assessment Report – detailed breakdown of the supplier’s performance against each criteria point of the module assessment. It will be sent to the supplier by the ZDHC via email.

Each document is intended to promote transparency, compliance and open communication along the supply chain, showcasing achievements and identifying potential areas for improvement.