UL Seminar Focuses on Sustainable Use of Chemicals

Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global safety science leader, hosted 53 attendees at UL's Sustainability Seminar on 'Reducing Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals' that was recently held in Dhaka. The favourable attendance and feedback from the event suggested that the textile industry is taking positive steps to improve sustainability practices in Bangladesh.

UL’s sustainability seminar provided attendees with insights on the latest industry initiatives, standards requirements and best practices for chemical management in the textile industry. UL subject matter experts covered topics such as Greenpeace’s Detox campaign, overview of ZDHC’s Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) and audit requirements, and information on Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP).

"UL partners with clients to promote the sustainable use of chemicals in the textile industry. We can help achieve this goal through advanced sustainable business practices and thereby benefiting our community and the environment," said Sarbajeet Mukherjee, general manager - South Asia, consumer and retail services, UL, during the seminar.

The one-day seminar ended with a tour of UL’s test laboratory in Dhaka that provides textile testing and inspection services.

The spotlight is on the textile manufacturing to minimise environmental pollution while meeting consumer demand for head-turning fashion. The textile industry faces a challenge in managing wastewater that results from the dyeing process. Eco-conscious brands are working together to reduce the use of harmful substances through the supply chain. One of such industry initiatives is the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) programme.

ZDHC programme is a collaboration of apparel and footwear brands and retailers working together to eliminate hazardous chemicals from textile supply chains by 2020. As an official contributor of ZDHC, UL engages with brands and their supply chains to increase awareness and verify compliance of sustainability practices.