2021/01/04

ZDHC Level 3

TFL achieves ZDHC Level 3 certification for all manufacturing plants and products

Chemical product compliance and the responsible manufacture of chemicals have highest priority within the TFL group. Already in August 2020, TFL completed ZDHC Level 1 certification for more than 1070 sales products. These products represent not only a selected range, but all actively promoted TFL products, in both our global and local product ranges.

Our existing level 1 certification demonstrates TFL's ability to ensure there is no intentional use of any of the restricted substances listed in ZDHC MRSL in any of its products. The new Level 3 certification, however, is much more comprehensive and validates TFL's processes in all major aspects of sustainable chemicals manufacture such as: management control, product stewardship practices, raw materials selection and assessment, chemical manufacturing with regards to EHS (environment, health, safety), and communication of safety relevant information to customers and brands. TFL is very proud that all of our major manufacturing plants in France, Italy, Brazil and India successfully passed all audits at the first time. This achievement is an important cornerstone in TFL’s global product compliance strategy and underlines the significant investments the company has made during the past years in product development, manufacturing, product testing and registration.

Achieving the highest ZDHC certification of Level 3 is a strong recognition of TFL's commitment to deliver the highest levels of product safety and sustainability in our industry. TFL strongly believes that production of natural leather will have a great future if everyone in the supply chain continues to work actively towards the common goal of 'sustainable manufacture ’.

We recognize, though, that achieving ZDHC Level 3 is only one step on our journey. The focus on sustainability from consumers and chemicals safety from the regulators side will continue to increase. Apart from the straight safety aspects, criteria such as end of life, biodegradability and use of renewable materials will play an increasing role.

TFL is doing its utmost now, and in the future, to actively support sustainable leather manufacture and to continuously improve and innovate the sustainability of its products and business processes.