CHEM 4sustainability® and ZDHC alignment
CHEM 4sustainability®, also referred to as 4s CHEM, supports the elimination of toxic and hazardous chemicals in production in alignment with the ZDHC Supplier to Zero (S2Z) Programme. 4s CHEM is the first implementation support framework approved by ZDHC for the Supplier to Zero Programme across its various levels of implementation. Ympact has aligned the 4s CHEM framework — both in its data collection model and improvement management system — with ZDHC standards, adapting requirements to European supply chains, starting from high-end manufacturing segments. As part of its alignment with the ZDHC Roadmap, Ympact (together with group companies) has obtained the following recognitions:
• approved ZDHC Training Provider;
• recognised framework for the Supplier to Zero Programme;
• approved ZDHC Performance InCheck Verifier;
• recognised platform for the generation of Performance InCheck Reports.
from initial commitment to results monitoring
Companies implementing the framework collect data, monitor performance and manage a continuous improvement system covering: :
commitment
organisational structure
management procedures
production process mapping
supply chain assessment and monitoring – upstream implementation
comprehensive chemical inventory management
MRSL ZDHC compliance assessment
annual verification of implementation level
testing plans for raw materials, chemical products, processes and discharges
production traceability
internal and external training for suppliers and clients
system reporting and data analysis
credible communication
+700
trained chemical managers
ZDHC-accredited training courses: open sessions
For fashion supply chain companies seeking specialised training in Chemical Management, additional opportunities are available through ZDHC training programmes delivered by Ympact as an approved training provider.
4s CHEM Report: communicating progress
Being able to demonstrate the credibility and scale of chemical management efforts is a clear competitive advantage. Companies adopting 4s CHEM benefit from communication-ready tools backed by brand-recognised assurance, including annual verification reports measuring performance and the 4sustainability® Certificate, providing assurance on verified data and results achieved year after year. Key annual KPIs include:
• % adoption of the framework across all implementation requirements;
• chemical inventory verification and % MRSL ZDHC compliance;
• wastewater testing downstream of production and % MRSL ZDHC compliance according to Wastewater Guidelines;
• % outsourced production and related chemical inventory and wastewater indicators .
ZDHC InCheck Report: approved platform
Through Ympact, independently from 4s CHEM, companies can verify the compliance level of their chemical inventory according to the ZDHC methodology. This functionality is available via a Ympact platform module recognised by ZDHC for generating Performance InCheck Reports.
The generated Report may also be subject to verification by the Ympact expert team, resulting in the issuance of a ZDHC Verification Report.
Verify your ZDHC compliance level for chemicals used in your production processes.
a structured approach to chemical management
Reducing the impact of chemicals on finished products, production processes and manufacturing facilities – while protecting workers, consumers and the environment – requires a structured, scientifically validated approach involving the entire supply chain. The ZDHC methodology, developed following the Greenpeace campaign, is now the most widely adopted industry approach for achieving MRSL compliance and tangible impact reduction – visit the ZDHC website.
With over 10 years of application within the fashion industry, the 4s CHEM framework aligns with the ZDHC methodology, is recognised as an Implementation Standard by ZDHC, and supports impact reduction projects for numerous brands that also monitor supply chain progress through the Ympact platform.