Progressing Towards Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals
Zimmermann’s Commitment to Sustainability


At Zimmermann, we are proud to share the progress we’ve made on our journey towards a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable supply chain. Since joining the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Roadmap to Zero Programme in 2021, we’ve deepened our commitment to sustainable chemical management, becoming a ZDHC Signatory Brand in July 2024 and earning the Pioneer Level Achievement for Sustainable Chemical Management Progress, audited by KPMG, which recognises a commitment to the guidelines and implementation in the supply chain, at least partially, using ZDHC solutions and platforms.
As a global fashion brand, we recognize the challenges of embedding environmental stewardship across a multi-national supply network. From supplier readiness to emissions monitoring and waste management, we are addressing these complexities.
We committed to achieving ZDHC Supplier to Zero Level 2 (out of the 3 Levels available) compliance at 90% of our wet processing facilities by FY 2024 and full conformance with the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) by FY 2025. Although we encountered obstacles and did not meet all targets within the expected timeframe, we have made substantial progress and remain committed to continuous improvement.
To support our supply chain transition, we’ve implemented several key initiatives:
- Supplier Training: Providing virtual and in-person training to wet processing suppliers.
- Expert Support: Partnering with BlueWin consultancy for tailored, one-on-one guidance.
- Environmental Audits: Conducting audits to identify non-compliance and implementing corrective actions.
We’ve also updated our Viscose Sourcing Policy to align with ZDHC principles. This includes guidance to sourcing only FSC-certified viscose from suppliers who meet CanopyStyle audit standards and implement chemical recovery systems to minimize environmental impact.
Our efforts are delivering meaningful results:
- Supplier Compliance: 77% of our fabric spend is now covered by Supplier to Zero Level 2 facilities.
- FSC-Certified Viscose: FSC-certified viscose now accounts for 37% of our total viscose use, up from 32% in FY 2024, with further growth expected.
As we continue our journey, we are expanding capacity-building efforts for Tier 2 suppliers, focusing on waste management, emissions monitoring, and environmental impact assessments. We are also increasing the use of preferred fibres, such as FSC-certified viscose, and maintaining our commitment to annual environmental audits with quarterly corrective action monitoring.
At Zimmermann, we believe that collaboration, data-driven decisions, and a long-term vision are key to achieving meaningful change. While there is still work to be done, we are proud of the progress we’ve made and remain committed to creating a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.