WAALWIJK, The Netherlands — Stahl has taken an important step in its sustainable development strategy after achieving certification for the highest level of ZDHC compliance for multiple Performance Coating products. The new Level 3 certification demonstrates Stahl's commitment to rigorous product stewardship, including chemical compliance to above-industry requirements, and to driving value chain transparency across the chemical industry.

Founded in 2011, the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals foundation (ZDHC) is a group of apparel and footwear brands and retailers working together to protect the planet by reducing the industry's chemical footprint. In support of this goal, in 2019, ZDHC published version 2.0 of its Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL), which is a list of chemical substances banned from intentional use in facilities processing textile materials, leather, rubber, foam and trim parts in textiles, apparel and footwear. The initiative is widely recognized and respected across the industry.

Following a stringent third-party review process, Stahl has now achieved Level 3 compliance with ZDHC MRSL 2.0 for 133 Performance Coatings products from its Synthetics and Coated Fabrics portfolio. As such, the certification has been published on the ZDHC Gateway, a digital database that provides textile mills and coaters with visibility on products and certifications, driving safer chemical management. A further 55 Performance Coating products are expected to achieve Level 3 certification, and to be added to the ZDHC Gateway, later in the second quarter of 2021.

Mel Micham, Group Director Performance Coatings at Stahl, said, "Achieving Level 3 compliance for many of our key Performance Coating products is a significant milestone toward delivering on our transparency and product stewardship ambitions. Together with the ZDHC foundation, we can help customers and downstream partners to make informed decisions and shape a better industry. Indeed, by embracing sustainable development – and going beyond minimum information disclosure and regulatory compliance – Stahl aims to deliver value for all stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, partners, and society at large."