Garment producer registers one of its factories on the ZDHC Resource Efficiency Module and enhances its sustainability programmes

Based in Sri Lanka, the garment producer has four manufacturing facilities, 350,000 square feet of production space, and over 400 employees. Around 200,000 garments are produced every day at its facilities, as the company serves more than 12 renowned UK and US fashion brands.  

As a supplier, they had actively worked with ZDHC for some years, then one of their clients wanted them to use the ZDHC Resource Efficiency Model (ZDHC REM). The client asked the supplier to start using it in the facilities where items for the brand were being produced. This case study outlines the steps taken to engage with the module and the benefits gained by both supplier and brand.

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Registering manufacturing facilities on the ZDHC Platform and REM

Of the supplier’s four facilities, two were already registered on the ZDHC Platform, one of which produces sportswear. Aspart of their engagement with the ZDHC REM, the company was given a free token that offered full access. One of the other facilities registered on the ZDHC Platform, and plans were in motion to also start using the ZDHC REM.

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Rationale for using the ZDHC REM

While the supplier acknowledges that customer demand is an obvious factor influencing the uptake of the ZDHC REM, it’s important to note the additional benefits that come from participating, such as data collection and GAP analysis. The supplier’s management system gained valuable insights, which offered inspiration for a range of improvements.

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Data can be found in one place

With the supplier’s management system, gathering all of the relevant data and viewing it in one place was not an easy task. The ZDHC REM supported the team in fixing that issue, by providing a platform to put all the data in one place. A holistic view of factors such as purchased electricity, combined heat and power, or company owned vehicles became available to personnel. These insights will inevitably support strategy and decision making.

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Pinpoint areas of improvement

In undertaking a GAP analysis with the ZDHC REM, the supplier gets a clear overview and can pinpoint specific areas for improvement. It can see what needs to be done and consider what solutions are available to make the necessary changes.

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Support across different factories

As part of becoming a ZDHC REM registered facility, the supplier had to create action plans, download recommendations and find new solutions. The application of the ZDHC REM and the data gathered as part of that effort can be used across its other facilities.

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Applying the recommendations

In using the ZDHC REM, users answer a series of questions related to current practices and processes. Based on these answers, a range of recommendations are provided. In answering these questions, a user could note that a particular resource efficiency measure is not yet implemented, and by doing so, they unlock further recommendations on relevant actions.

These helpful recommendations empower the team to build up sustainability programs and discuss various strategies in order to implement changes over time.

When starting out with these programmes, certain information may be lacking. To counteract this, the supplier started collecting data in some key areas.

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Registering on the module

Becoming familiar with the ZDHC REM

The supplier found that its team needed time to become familiar with the ZDHC REM. In order to do so, the team went through every single question in detail. If needed, they used Google when they were not familiar with a term. As they filled out the data, their understanding grew, and the process became easier and faster over time.

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Measurement unit conversions

Some measurement units in their data were updated to match those used in the ZDHC REM. For example, while a kilowatt hour unit is featured in the ZDHC REM, the supplier used a different unit of measurement. As a result, some conversions were done to match the two to ensure a smooth data transfer. This was done quite quickly via a team review where everything was covered in half a day.

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Other tools being used

While the company also uses the HIGG model and various other locally-based tools, such as a GHG verification, or carbon verifications, and also engages with a series of internationally recognised programs, when it comes to reaching its sustainability goals, however, the HIGG and ZDHC REM are key tools for the supplier.

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Innovation opportunities with the ZDHC REM

The supplier sees many future opportunities with the ZDHC REM, in terms of new features and connections. The company envisages it as a prominent platform for the industry and to that end, they offered some valuable feedback and ideas.

• Downloadable and shareable certificates could be provided, helping to make the ZDHC REM a centre where everything is shared.
• When placing orders, brands seeking more sustainable suppliers will see this certification, which will increase order volumes.
• At the onboarding stage, facilities could share their certifications with customers, encouraging them to connect to the ZDHC program.
• There’s also potential to link to other tools. Data is already gathered for the HIGG (e.g. gap analysis). This could be simultaneously uploaded onto the ZDHC REM.

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An 8 out of 10 ranking for the ZDHC REM

The company gives the ZDHC REM an 8/10 rating. Its capacity to deliver valuable insights and support sustainability programmes is extremely valuable. If the innovation opportunities outlined above were included, it could enhance its position to become the global tool for resource management.

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The ZDHC REM offers a competitive edge

The supplier sees the ZDHC REM as an integral tool in delivering on its sustainability programmes. Being able to market the work done to become ZDHC REM registered will offer a competitive edge and a chance to strengthen its position in a changing market.

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Find out more

Want to know more about how the ZDHC REM can work for your organisation? Talk to one of our team at info@implementation-hub.org.

About the ZDHC REM

ZDHC and Implementation HUB recognise that the largest opportunities for improvement in the textile and leather industry lie within the value chain. They  offer the best leverage to reach sustainability goals, but there is confusion on the tools needed to support the change.

Therefore, the Implementation HUB launched the ZDHC Resource Efficiency Module (ZDHC REM) on the Supplier Platform.Suppliers can analyse their environmental performance, identify improvement opportunities, and implement measures to conserve resources and increase efficiency. They complete a self-evaluation and receive over 300 practical recommendations to improve performance. The ZDHC REM also allows facilities to record their consumption of resources, such as electricity or thermal energy, and report to brands. 

The ZDHC REM makes reporting and data retrieval easier, faster and less costly. It supports smarter ESG-driven decision making, and highlights ongoing improvements, with hands-on implementation guidance and opportunities to track efficiency gains.