KELHEIM - Bavarian viscose speciality fibre manufacturer Kelheim Fibres has joined the ZDHC programme, 'Roadmap to Zero' which, with more than 160 contributors worldwide, has set itself the goal of completely eliminating harmful substances from the textile value chain.
The ZDHC guidelines provide producers of Man-made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF) with uniform criteria for measuring indicators such as wastewater, air emissions and other process-related parameters with the data independently monitored and published.
Kelheim Fibres, the world's first EMAS-validated viscose fibre producer, said it sees its ZDHC contributorship as another building block on the road to even more sustainable fibre production: "We want to develop our industry with our know-how towards a greener future," said Craig Barker, CEO at Kelheim Fibres. "Sustainability is an integral part of our corporate philosophy and strategy. We fully support ZDHC's vision of a widespread implementation of sustainably chemistry, driving innovations and best practices in textile, apparel and footwear industries to protect consumers workers and the environment.
"ZDHC provides us with access to a range of best practices in chemical management and gives us the opportunity to network and learn from each other with like-minded industry partners. ZDHC's collaborative approach will accelerate the shift to a more responsible industry and we want to contribute to that."
Kelheim Fibres' speciality viscose products are used in a range of diverse applications from fashion, hygiene and medical products to nonwovens and speciality papers.
All fibres are made from 100% wood pulp from PEFCTM or FSC certified sources. They are fully biodegradable and offer an environmentally sound alternative to petroleum-based materials in a broad range of different end products – while maintaining or even enhancing the functional performance of the product.
The production takes place exclusively in Germany and complies with the strict German environmental legislation.
Kelheim Fibres is the first viscose manufacturer worldwide with an EMAS-validated environmental management system.
