ZDHC 요구사항 비교 — Nike, Adidas, Zara/Inditex 2026 | 섬유공장 체크리스트

ZDHC program overview — MRSL, Gateway, Wastewater Guidelines explained

ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) is a multi-stakeholder program co-founded by Nike in 2011, now uniting over 30 global apparel and footwear brands. The ZDHC framework rests on four pillars. First, the MRSL (Manufacturing Restricted Substances List) — currently version 3.1 — lists chemical substances banned from intentional use in production. Second, the Wastewater Guidelines set discharge limits for conventional parameters, heavy metals, and MRSL substances; the new V2 becomes effective 01/11/2026, introducing semi-announced sampling, new parameters (DMAC, NEP, NMP, DMFa), and expanded PFAS/flame retardant testing in sludge. Third, the Gateway platform hosts ClearStream Reports visible to all member brands — one test serves multiple brands. Fourth, InCheck and ChemCheck tools verify chemical inventory MRSL conformance. For textile factories supplying Nike, Adidas, or Inditex, ZDHC compliance is non-negotiable.

Nike ZDHC wastewater requirements — sampling, testing, and reporting

Nike mandates ZDHC MRSL v3.1 compliance across its entire supply chain. Facilities discharging ≥15m³ of industrial wastewater per day must conduct wastewater testing twice per year (April and October cycles) at ZDHC Approved Laboratories. Parameters must meet Foundational Level thresholds: MRSL substances — zero detectable; heavy metals — arsenic, cadmium, chromium VI, lead, mercury per ZDHC limits; conventional parameters — COD, pH, TSS, color. Results are submitted as ClearStream Reports on the ZDHC Gateway linked to Nike’s account. Deadlines: 30 April and 31 October annually. The ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines V2 (effective 01/11/2026) introduces semi-announced sampling, new parameters including DMAC, NEP, NMP, DMFa, and expanded PFAS/flame retardant sludge testing. Nike additionally requires monthly Chemical Inventory List (CIL) tracking through ZDHC-approved solution providers.

Adidas ZDHC program — supplier wastewater quality targets

Adidas, a founding ZDHC member since 2011, enforces ZDHC MRSL v3.1 and Wastewater Guidelines V2.2 as the core of its Environmental Guidelines. Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers with on-site effluent treatment plants must achieve ZDHC Wastewater Foundational Level. The 2025 target — 90% of suppliers at Foundational Level — was confirmed achieved in the Adidas Annual Report 2025 (90%, up from 86% in 2024). Requirements span over 200 indicators including COD, heavy metals, and MRS-listed substances. Wastewater testing is conducted twice yearly by third-party accredited laboratories, with results submitted to ZDHC Gateway and the IPE DETOX platform. Adidas operates an ETP evaluation initiative covering 80% of wet-processing suppliers and is introducing Aspirational Level targets for nitrogen and phosphorus aligned with SBTN (Science Based Targets for Nature). For 2025, Adidas achieved Champion Level in the ZDHC Brands to Zero program for the third consecutive year.

Inditex ZDHC requirements — chemical management and Gateway

Inditex (Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka) approaches ZDHC compliance with a strong focus on input chemical management. Under the Green to Wear Standard V3.2, wet-processing facilities must have 95-100% of production chemicals certified at ZDHC MRSL Level 3 (highest conformance). Inditex mandates a monthly-updated Chemical Inventory List (CIL) including product name, formulator, CAS number, lot number, and ZDHC MRSL conformance level. Wastewater results must be disclosed on ZDHC Gateway via ClearStream Report, with COD checked quarterly. Indirect discharge must meet applicable limits; direct discharge must meet ZDHC Progressive Level — a higher threshold than Foundational. Unlike Nike and Adidas, Inditex publishes less aggregate audit data but enforces stricter input chemical control through ChemCheck and InCheck reports. Facilities are required to share their CIL on Gateway and issue monthly Performance InCheck reports. Chemical products not certified at Level 3 constitute a non-conformance under the GTW framework.

Brand-specific ZDHC comparison table — Nike, Adidas, Inditex at a glance

ZDHC compliance checklist for FDI textile factories exporting to EU/US

Step 1 — Chemical input review: Cross-check every chemical SKU against ZDHC MRSL v3.1. Procure from suppliers holding valid ZDHC MRSL Level 1 (or higher) conformance certification. Step 2 — Chemical Inventory List (CIL): Maintain a complete CIL — product name, CAS number, formulator, lot number, concentration, ZDHC MRSL conformance level. Update monthly, retain records for minimum 3 years. Step 3 — Lot-specific COA/MSDS: Every chemical batch must have a Certificate of Analysis with actual test results and a current Safety Data Sheet on file. Step 4 — Wastewater testing: Test twice yearly at a ZDHC Approved Laboratory. Facilities ≥15m³/day must upload ClearStream Reports to ZDHC Gateway by April and October deadlines. Step 5 — Brand-specific protocols: Nike — April and October cycles with zero MRSL detection; Adidas — Environmental Guidelines framework targeting Foundational Level; Inditex — ChemCheck and Gateway priority with ≥95% Level 3 chemicals. Step 6 — Supplier qualification: Select chemical suppliers with ZDHC Level 1 certification (e.g., TÜV Rheinland 248162921-02a), lot-specific COA, and ZDHC documentation pack support.

Lộc Thiên ZDHC Level 1 certified — supporting Nike, Adidas, Inditex supply chain

Lộc Thiên Chemical holds ZDHC MRSL v3.1 Level 1 certification issued by TÜV Rheinland (certificate 248162921-02a), enabling textile factories to include Lộc Thiên chemicals in their ZDHC Gateway profiles and InCheck reports. This certification covers the factory’s chemical input conformance, verified through independent audit by TÜV Rheinland — a ZDHC Accepted Certification Scheme. Key products for the textile sector: FeCl₂ 25-30% (CAS 7758-94-3) — primary coagulant for color and COD removal from dye wastewater; PAC 31% (polyaluminium chloride) — flocculation agent; NaOH 32-45% (caustic soda liquid) — pH adjustment for dye baths and neutralization; HCl — acid neutralization; H₂O₂ — bleaching agent and Fenton oxidation reagent. Every batch ships with lot-specific COA/MSDS, meeting Nike, Adidas, and Inditex CIL and MRSL documentation requirements. The Quatest 3 certificate (PKQ-KT3-02484BHO5) provides additional quality verification for domestic compliance.

Case study — 3,000m³/day FDI textile factory in Nhơn Trạch IP, Đồng Nai: An FDI textile factory processing 3,000m³/day of wastewater for Nike and Adidas orders faced effluent COD of 180-220 mg/L in Q2/2026 — exceeding the ZDHC Foundational Level limit (COD ≤150 mg/L). Switching from generic PAC to ZDHC Level 1 certified PAC 31% at 45 mg/L combined with FeCl₂ 25-30% at 30 mg/L in the coagulation tank reduced effluent COD to 85-110 mg/L within 14 days, achieving Foundational Level. Color removal reached 78%, pH stabilized at 6.8-7.2. The October 2026 ClearStream Report showed zero MRSL substance detection. The factory maintained Nike and Adidas purchase orders for fiscal year 2027.

Brand-Specific ZDHC Comparison Table

ZDHC Compliance Checklist for FDI Textile Factories

Step 1: Review all chemical SKUs against ZDHC MRSL v3.1. Source from suppliers with valid ZDHC Level 1 certification. Step 2: Maintain a complete Chemical Inventory List (CIL) updated monthly with product name, CAS number, formulator, lot number, concentration, and ZDHC MRSL conformance level. Retain records for minimum 3 years. Step 3: Ensure every batch has Certificate of Analysis with actual test results plus current Safety Data Sheet. Step 4: Test wastewater twice yearly at ZDHC Approved Laboratory. Facilities discharging >=15m3/day must upload ClearStream Reports to ZDHC Gateway by April and October deadlines. Step 5: Follow brand-specific protocols - Nike requires April and October cycles with zero MRSL detection; Adidas requires Foundational Level under Environmental Guidelines; Inditex prioritizes ChemCheck and Gateway with >=95 Level 3 chemicals. Step 6: Select chemical suppliers with ZDHC Level 1 certification, lot-specific COA, and ZDHC documentation support.

Loc Thien ZDHC Level 1 Certified

Loc Thien Chemical holds ZDHC MRSL v3.1 Level 1 certification issued by TUV Rheinland (certificate 248162921-02a). This enables textile factories to include Loc Thien chemicals in their ZDHC Gateway profiles and InCheck reports. Key products for textile sector: FeCl2 25-30 for color and COD removal from dye wastewater; PAC 31 as flocculation agent; NaOH 32-45 for pH adjustment; HCl for acid neutralization; H2O2 for bleaching and Fenton oxidation. Every batch ships with lot-specific COA and MSDS, meeting Nike, Adidas, and Inditex CIL and MRSL documentation requirements. The Quatest 3 certificate provides additional quality verification.

ZDHC Related Certifications Overview

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 tests residual chemicals on finished products. bluesign is a comprehensive input management system covering chemicals, water, energy, and emissions. GOTS applies to organic fiber products. ZDHC is unique with its dual focus on MRSL input restrictions and Wastewater Guidelines for output discharge limits. For textile factories exporting to EU and US markets, ZDHC compliance is mandatory from brands, while OEKO-TEX and bluesign are supplementary requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions about ZDHC

1. Is ZDHC legally required? No, but it is a prerequisite from global fashion brands. Non-compliant factories risk losing purchase orders from Nike, Adidas, Inditex, and other ZDHC member brands.

2. What does Nike require for ZDHC? Wastewater testing twice yearly at ZDHC Approved Laboratories for facilities discharging >=15m3 per day. Upload ClearStream Reports to ZDHC Gateway. Zero MRSL substance detection required.

3. What does Adidas require for ZDHC? Adidas requires >=90 of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers with onsite ETP to achieve Wastewater Foundational Level. Testing twice yearly with results uploaded to Gateway and IPE DETOX.

4. What does Zara and Inditex require for ZDHC? Inditex requires 95 to 100 percent of production chemicals certified at ZDHC MRSL Level 3. Monthly CIL updates and wastewater results disclosed on Gateway.

5. Are Loc Thien chemicals ZDHC certified? Yes. Loc Thien holds ZDHC MRSL v3.1 Level 1 certification, TUV Rheinland 248162921-02a. All products ship with lot-specific COA and MSDS and ZDHC documentation pack.

Contact Loc Thien for ZDHC chemical supply: hotline 0979 891 929.