ZDHC works with and receives support from different stakeholders in the industry. They are divided into five categories, as defined below: Brands, Suppliers, Chemical Formulators, and Associates.

All categories must meet some general requirements in order to become a ZDHC Signatory. Some specific categories must also meet additional requirements.

01/ Requirements for all categories

The requirements that all organisations will need to meet.

ZDHC requires that organisations commit and contribute to the ZDHC Programme as follows:

By having a clear public mission, which is primarily focused on improving social and/or environmental conditions and on having a positive impact.
Align with and share:
- Our mission: Our Mission is to lead our global value chains to achieve the highest standards for sustainable chemical management, driving resource efficiency and circularity.

- Our vision: Our Vision is to create a world where better chemistry leads to the protection of life, land, air and water.
- Goals
Agree with the power of collaboration and collaborative implementation to drive industry-wide positive change.
Can contribute financial and non financial resources to the work activities of the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme.
Support the development, growth and impact of the ZDHC Programme by promoting ZDHC within its own business community.

02/ Common questions

To apply, must we be a supplier to a ZDHC Signatory Brand?

No. It’s possible for non-supplier organisations to apply to be a ZDHC Signatory.

Do we have to provide a reference as a ZDHC Signatory Supplier?

Yes. In your application you are required to name two companies that we can request a reference from. They will preferably be ZDHC Signatories or Signatory Brands/Retailers that you supply or are your customers.

If, as an associate, we become ZDHC Signatory, do all our members become ZDHC Signatories?

No. If your membership is as a ZDHC Signatory Associate, that does not confer the right for all your members to become ZDHC Signatory. As a ZDHC Signatory Associate, your role in the Roadmap to Zero Programme is to:

a) inform your members about developments with ZDHC that are of relevance to your membership activities and organisational focus.

b) actively promote and collectively represent your members’ collective viewpoints in Roadmap to Zero Programme activities.

We are a large company with many subsidiaries. If our parent company becomes a ZDHC ZDHC Signatory Brand, are our subsidiary companies also included in the Signatory engagement?

If the parent company is the legal entity that applied to be a ZDHC Signatory, and their published revenue includes all of their subsidiaries, then the Signatory engagement does include those subsidiaries.

With regard to our commitment to ZDHC, do we have to set targets or report publicly (or otherwise) on our progress with advancing towards zero discharge of hazardous substances?

ZDHC encourages Signatories to communicate their participation in the ZDHC Programme e.g. as part of annual sustainability or corporate reporting, target-setting, or public reporting. However, this is not mandatory as a ZDHC Signatory. For Signatory Brands, there are some specific requirements as part of the Signatory Brand Leader/Brand to Zero Programme. For more information, see ZDHC Signatory Brand Specific Eligibility Requirements.

What level of engagement does ZDHC expect from its Signatories?

ZDHC Signatories are required to engage in one or more Programme Focus Areas. They are expected to bring their experience, insights and learnings to collaborate on the creation and development of ZDHC Guidelines and Solutions. ZDHC Signatories are also expected to engage their suppliers in the use of ZDHC Platforms (such as the ZDHC Gateway - Chemical Module and the ZDHC Gateway - Wastewater Module).

How are ZDHC Programme working activities carried out?

The majority of ZDHC Programme working activities are carried out by video conference calls and via the Signatory intranet. Programme Co-Leads and Task Teams convene on an ‘as needed’ basis. They also maintain close connections with the ZDHC Programme delivery team in order to ensure timely execution of deliverables. Additionally, each Focus Area aims to have at least one in-person meeting annually. The location for these meetings varies. There are monthly Signatory Forum calls. Once a year, The ZDHC Annual Meeting is held. At this event, all Signatories interact, network and carry out working activities to drive the ZDHC Programme forward.

Does our CEO have to participate or undertake any other role in connection with being a ZDHC Signatory?

No. This is not necessary.

Why do you talk about Signatories and not members?

This is in line with the type of legal entity the ZDHC Foundation is under Dutch law - ZDHC is not a membership association.

Do you have a category for potential Signatories that are SMEs (Small Medium Enterprises)?

No, not currently. We may develop such a category in time, based on need.

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ZDHC Signatory (Brand, Chemical Formulator, Supplier, Associate) - Specific Eligibility Requirements

01/ Requirements for all categories

02/ Common questions

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