The Netherlands-based chemical company, Stahl has earned the highest level of ZDHC compliance for multiple Performance Coating products. 

Stahl's commitment to rigorous product stewardship, including chemical compliance to above-industry criteria, and driving value chain transparency across the chemical sector is reflected in the new Level 3 accreditation.

The Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Foundation (ZDHC) was founded in 2011 by a consortium of apparel and footwear brands and retailers dedicated to protecting the environment by lowering the industry's chemical footprint.

In support of this goal, ZDHC released version 2.0 of its Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) in 2019, which is a list of chemical substances that are prohibited from being used in facilities that process textile materials, leather, rubber, foam, and trim parts in textiles, apparel, and footwear.

Stahl has achieved Level 3 compliance with ZDHC MRSL 2.0 for 133 Performance Coatings items from its Synthetics and Coated Fabrics range, after a rigorous third-party assessment procedure.

As a result, the certification has been published on the ZDHC Gateway, a digital database that gives visibility on goods and certifications to textile mills and coaters, resulting in safer chemical management.

Later in Q2 2021, another 55 Performance Coating products are planned to get Level 3 certification and be added to the ZDHC Gateway.

Group director Performance Coatings at Stahl, Mel Micham, said the achievement of Level 3 compliance for a number of our important Performance Coating products is a critical step toward realising their transparency and product stewardship goals. They can assist consumers and downstream partners make informed decisions and develop a better industry by collaborating with the ZDHC Foundation. Stahl seeks to offer value to all stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, partners, and society at large, by embracing sustainable development and going beyond basic information sharing and regulatory compliance.