ZDHC’s latest assessment found that 91 percent of brands monitored suppliers’ chemical-inventory data, while 74 percent followed up with suppliers to improve performance.
The 2026 Brands to Zero report, announced Oct. 15, examines how ZDHC signatory brands managed chemicals across their businesses and supply chains during 2025. The findings show more companies setting requirements and checking factory records, with supplier follow-up still trailing both.
The share of brands requiring suppliers to provide InCheck chemical-inventory data rose to 91 percent from 75 percent in the previous assessment. Monitoring increased from 87 percent to 91 percent, while follow-up rose from 60 percent to 74 percent.
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InCheck reports summarize how a factory’s chemical inventory conforms to ZDHC’s Manufacturing Restricted Substances List, or MRSL. The list restricts hazardous substances from intentional use in production. Brands access the data through ZDHC’s Gateway platform, which also holds ClearStream reports on wastewater performance.
ZDHC wants more brands to work with factories on correcting the problems their data reveals. That work continues after suppliers submit their chemical inventories and wastewater reports.
The report also found that brands in the middle assessment tier scored barely above the lowest tier on business integration. ZDHC links that weakness to executive oversight and accountability for putting chemical-management policies into practice.
The annual review is mandatory for ZDHC signatory brands and is independently conducted by KPMG Netherlands.
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