SGS launches Zero Discharge Holistic Solution to support textile, footwear brands and retailers towards environmentally responsible production

SGS is pleased to launch its Zero Discharge Holistic Solution, using an assertive approach supported by a diverse range of technical solutions to assist textile and footwear brands and retailers to move a step closer to their zero discharge goal.

GENEVA, 26-May-2017 — /EuropaWire/ — The manufacturing of textiles, footwear and leather are intensive in their chemical and water consumption. On a global basis, vast supply chains cross continents and the potential environmental impacts that derive from their chemical usage can be significant. This becomes particularly apparent considering that approximately 9.3 million tonnes of chemicals are consumed annually to manufacture these textile products, and around 25% of chemicals made worldwide go directly or indirectly into the textile industry. Environmental or related product compliance issues can result from inappropriate or overuse of chemicals which may have arisen from a lack of traceability along the value chain. In addition, technical gaps in areas such as upstream chemical management, understanding of chemistry, risk identification and chemical inventories preclude the industry from progressing to chemically and environmentally responsible production.

While industry stakeholders have invested much effort in chemical and environmental responsible production, many of these challenges continue to persist. SGS clearly understands each step of the manufacturing process and its associated challenges. Using a holistic approach and its unique global supply chain diagnosis tools, SGS can offer expert advice on ways to effectively manage chemicals at the upstream level and mitigate many of the issues both during production and at the downstream level.

With the SGS Zero Discharge Holistic Solution, a vast array of turn-key and customized solutions under the trio approach are available to support the industry to take appropriate actions towards environmentally responsible production. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, a combination of these highly specialist services can be built and crafted to suit the unique supply chain model and business goal of a specific brand or a retailer to ensure achievable and measureable improvements can be made. Under our trio approach SGS offers:

• Training & Knowledge Management to upskill industry professionals’ technical knowledge
• Chemical Risk Assessment to benchmark suppliers’ current chemical and environmental performance
• Best Practice & System Implementation to identify root causes and to make appropriate recommendations for future improvements

SGS has been partnering with many international brands and retailers in support of their zero discharge commitments. Contact your sales representatives to see how we can support your supply chain.

For further information, please contact:

Skarlett Leung 
Consumer and Retail
Senior Technical and Market Development Manager
t: +852 2204 8350

About SGS

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 90,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,000 offices and laboratories around the world.

SOURCE: SGS SA