Brands can strengthen supplier engagement by combining consistent communication, clear expectations, and active participation in ZDHC initiatives that support implementation and capacity building.

Key actions include:

• Maintain regular communication:
  Share updates on requirements, timelines, and progress, ensuring suppliers understand both expectations and the reasons behind them.
• Leverage ZDHC platforms and tools:
  Encourage suppliers to use the ZDHC Gateway, Supplier Platform (Supplier to Zero), and ZDHC Academy to access data, track performance, and build knowledge.
• Support capacity building through ZDHC initiatives:
  Facilitate participation in ZDHC Academy training, InConnect events, webinars, and regional engagement sessions to help suppliers build technical expertise and understanding.
• Use incentives and support mechanisms:
  Provide access to resources such as Brand Implementation Support Tokens (BISV), training opportunities, or preferred sourcing status to encourage progress.
• Collaborate through the ZDHC Committed Community:
  Engage in joint initiatives, supplier events, and industry collaborations to align expectations and reduce duplication for suppliers. Collective action increases leverage and accelerates adoption.
• Enable continuous improvement:
  Monitor supplier performance using tools like InCheck and ClearStream, follow up on gaps, and support corrective actions to drive long-term improvement.

By combining these approaches, brands move beyond one-off engagement and create a structured, supportive environment that enables suppliers to continuously improve their sustainable chemical management practices.

Communication, engagement, collaboration

Supplier capacity building

Due diligence collaboration