ZDHC Supplier to Zero Version 2 Shifts Chemical Management Toward Measurable Performance
ZDHC published Supplier to Zero Version 2 on July 31, 2026 and opened a six-month transition period from August 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027. The updated framework becomes mandatory on February 1, 2027, giving textile, apparel, leather and footwear suppliers a defined window to review requirements and prepare their next assessment.
The change matters to garment buyers because chemical management is moving beyond the existence of policies. Version 2 is structured to recognize how well a facility implements controls and improves performance across chemical inputs, production processes and outputs.
Three levels now describe supplier performance
Under Version 2, the three levels represent the maturity of implementation. Level 1 covers foundational systems and practices. Level 2 reflects more advanced, systematic implementation supported by evidence and continual improvement. Level 3 represents leading practice and a strong commitment to environmental performance.
Assessment confidence is handled separately through self-assessment, third-party desktop review or third-party on-site review. For procurement teams, this distinction is useful: a performance level explains what the facility has implemented, while the review method indicates how the result was evaluated.
What apparel factories should review
ZDHC says Supplier to Zero examines how chemicals and input materials are purchased, traced and controlled; how consistently processes are implemented; how output streams are managed; and how requirements extend upstream. A practical readiness review should cover:
- Chemical inventory: current product names, suppliers, quantities, locations, expiry controls and safety documentation.
- Input conformance: evidence that dyes, auxiliaries, solvents and other formulations meet applicable ZDHC MRSL expectations.
- Process controls: responsibilities for approval, storage, dispensing, worker protection, spill response and change management.
- Output evidence: current wastewater, sludge and air-emissions records where relevant to the facility scope.
- Upstream management: a method for assessing laundries, printers, mills and other subcontracted wet-processing partners.
- Corrective action: owners, deadlines, root-cause analysis and proof that identified gaps remain closed.
How buyers can use the transition period
Brands should first identify which nominated factories, mills, washing units and print facilities fall within scope, then compare each facility’s next assessment date with the February 2027 implementation deadline. Existing scores should not be copied into a new scorecard without confirming which version and review method produced them.
A useful buyer dashboard can record the supplier’s Version 2 level, assurance method, assessment date, major gaps and agreed improvement actions. This keeps the framework connected to sourcing decisions instead of treating it as a stand-alone certificate.
Suppliers can begin by completing their profile on the updated Supplier Platform, reviewing the Version 2 manual and checking the revised Knowledge Base. Early preparation is especially valuable for factories with wet processing, since evidence may sit across purchasing, production, environment, health and safety, and laboratory teams.
