Our system risk and status analysis is the first step to more transparency and safety in your procurement and manufacturing structures. Get an overview of strengths and weaknesses of your internal processes, of your supply-chain management and of CSR-measures.

What about the general awareness of sustainability in your company? How deep is your knowledge of the production processes of your products or the impact certain materials and designs have on the environment? Does your supply chain management contain reliable traceability structures, and is free of RSL/MRSL? Do you even know the suppliers and producers, and have done their evaluation based on the most latest ZDHC requirements?

We define the performance level of your company in these fields, assess management structures and evaluate the measures you have already started for the implementation of ZDHC/Chemical Management-concepts or sustainability strategies in your company.

Depending on the results and the needs, we would carry out further activities to obtain a deeper insight. For example, we would single out specific parts of the production chain in order to eliminate weak points. Our remediation program would include Technical Support, the Supervision of Improvement Actions, and Training Modules for all people involved.

SCM International assists Manufacturers, Brands & Retailers in further communication and implementation of RSLs with Industry Partners. Our Expertise in Chemical Management, Energy Use/Managment, Water Use/Managment, Waste Water Treatment, Waste Managment, Environment Management System and Processing is at your disposal to assist you in the communication and compliance assessment of RSLs for Brands & Retailers.

We provide advice and guidance on the suitability of dyes and chemicals for compliance with RSLs and Manufacturing Restricted Substance Lists (MRSL). We extend our support in the development/improvement of system to cater your Higg Index, BEPI, Environment, Social, Energy & Chemical/ZDHC Management Audits. We help in the development of Test Methods and Procedures in order to help Brands, Retailers and Industry Partners effectively manage their Chemicals / Products along the Supply Chain.

Our keen and powerful focus is on the Chemical Management, Chemical Use, Chemical Properties and Chemical Application in the process which provide our customers with the most latest and advanced techniques to achieve the Quality Parameters with most Sustainable use of Resources inside their manufacturing facilities. 

Our goal is to help our associates not only achieve but also excel in their Sustainability Goals most actively, which ultimately will help reflect their image in their Peers as well as Market as strong as possible.

Our Experts provide integrated advice on Environmental, Chemical, Social and ZDHC Compliance and Third Party Testing Results to further improve compliance. We offers expert advice on the Results of Third Party Testing carried out on water or wastewater samples at wet processing facilities in the context of Legal, IPE, Detox or ZDHC Compliance Assessment.

We help advise on Sampling Locations, Sampling Methods, Related Brand Requirements, Latest Waste Water Testing Protocols, Client Requirements, as well as on the Impact of the Chemicals used on-site, their potential Impacts / Aspects on the Analytical Test Results and contribution toward ZDHC/IPE/Detox parameters achievement.

We are happy to provide our feedback on the Preparation & Monitoring of Corrective Action Plans (CAP) to prevent future non-compliances. Based on the individual brands requirements and to understand potential sources of any of the 11 Priority Chemical Groups, the sampling is recommended to take place at the following locations:

• Incoming water – to understand whether the incoming water supply to the facility already contains any of the 11 priority chemical groups
• Inlet water – to assess the effectiveness of any Water Treatment processes carried out before  water is supplied to the wet  processing areas
• Outlet water – to measure how much chemical pollution load is added due to chemical use in the wet processing areas
• Efflluent Treatment Plant (ETP) discharge water – to understand how effectively the ETP is working in removing chemical pollution and achieving the environmental / ZDHC requirements
• Sludge – to assess if any hazardous chemicals are present in the ETP sludge prior to disposal

Once the Test Results are received in the facility from the Third Party Lab, our team will help support in Proper Interpretation of the Analytical Test Results, their Potential Entry in Supply Chain, Related CAP, and further the Mitigation Measure to avoid such contaminants found in wastewater stream.

Depending on the Product, Supply Chains can be very complex networks. The more tiers are involved the higher is the challenge to monitor all potential risks of environmental or social failures.

Our Experts will screen your Value Chains at all previously defined Stages and for all selected components. We identify all companies involved in the Production Process including 2nd and 3rd Tier Manufactures. We collect and verify all data needed to establish Reliable Traceability Systems.

The analysis contains:

• Data Collection on Traceability
• Data Verification of Involved Companies
• Identification of 2nd and 3rd Tier Manufacturers
• Flow of Goods Analysis
• Definition, Implementation and Monitoring of control points and measures

On the basis of the results, we Develop and Implement Data Management Systems to preserve transparency and to assure traceability of selected components.

Our system help evaluate Performance of Suppliers & Producers by pointing out Gaps and Potential Risks regarding Product Safety, Environmental Protection, Occupational Health and Safety and Social Aspects. By this Brands and Retailers get an idea of the Reliability of their Suppliers.

If you want Reliable Partner in your value chains but are not sure how your suppliers really work? We screen Company Structures, Procurement and Production Processes in the production areas. Our experts review data of Subcontractors which may have been unattainable in the past, due to the unwillingness to disclose information. We act as a Neutral Linking Element, Works with High Discretion, so that the contracting company get no insight and conflicts of interest can be avoided.

Our analysis starts with customised questionnaires for company’s self assessment. In a second step, we Refine and Verify the Results with a visit on-site before our experts define the risk level by evaluating all data and findings. In all our analysis we consider the relation between Sector-Specific Details, Country of Production and Company Specific Data.

Depending on the results, and if wanted, we develop Individual Action Plans and support the Implementation of Improvement Measures → we advice

The supplier evaluation contains:

• Online Self-assessment of the Companies
• Company visit on-site
• Evaluation of the Results/Data Review
• Outlining of Corrective Actions

Our powerful focus and Technical Support help Raise Productivity and Efficiency Levels in Processing Facilities. Based on an extensive experience of Chemicals and an Understanding of Factory Production Techniques we can easily Identify Cost Savings and Efficiency-improving Measures.

Our team uses a program that takes Base Line Measurements and Identifies Opportunities to Raise the General Productivity Levels of the Facility e.g. by Improving Lab-Bulk Reproducibility, Implementing Best Available Technology, or by Recommendations to improve Chemical Management procedures.

SCM Mill Efficiency Audits look at all aspects of the operation of the facility including:

• Quality Control procedures for Incoming Raw Materials.
• Quality Control procedures for Incoming Process Water whether from Surface Water, Boreholes or Municipal Supply
• Laboratory Procedures to ensure consistency of Chemicals and Processes used
• Formulation Management Controls and Procedures including Assessment.
• Lab-to-bulk Consistency and Reproducibility
• Machine Maintenance and Calibration

Our aim is to make your product free of Restricted Substances, we identify hotspots and provide advise in all aspects to handle the Hazardous Chemicals further implement measures that assure the Compliance with Legal Regulations and customer Restricted Substances Lists (RSL). We love to ensure General Safety as well as Chemical Safety in all production stages.

We help to upgrade the system and remove the Bottlenecks to cover all the Leading Problems. Our system helps to find the Right Chemicals and advise their use in such a way to Reduce the Interferences, further advise their Phase Out if required/necessary. We manage Hazardous Chemicals Proactively, by linking them to our preventive systems for traceability.

We believe in a Transparent Supply Chain, each member ensures, already in the Procurement, the Safety of a Good or a Chemical Substance through the verification of documents like Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Test Reports, Company or Product certificates. Thereby, save a lot of money spend labour testing of finished products. With increase in requirements costs always increase, In testing, environmental challenges such as Waste Water Treatment or Waste Management are not detectable anyway.

Additionally we offer specific trainings and learning systems to form the awareness and competences of employees in all working stages concerning the daily routines with the labeling, storage and handling of Restricted Substances.

Our experts have hands on knowledge of Global Chemical Legislation and requirements of the Textile, Apparel, Chemical, Leather, Feed, Pharmaceutical and Food Industry. We can provide an expert assessment of Chemical Inventory and Chemical Management Procedures at a supplier facility and advises on how to comply with global chemical legislation, Retailer & Brand Restricted Substance Lists (RSL’s) and Manufacturing Restricted Substance Lists (MRSL’s), any other chemical requirements industry. This is further supported by building capacity through training and awareness-raising sessions in the supplier countries specifically related chemicals and their chemistry

• We are expert in Investigate the reason of non-compliance for your bottlenecks as well as your hotspots and provide roadmap to achieve compliance. Our experts are qualified enough to carry out on-site investigation to pull out the reason of non-compliance of a supplier with a client’s chemical or environmental requirements. This may be supported by our onsite Investigation Gap Analysis, which is supported by Testing of Suspected Chemicals where no Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is available or MSDS provides limited information. Once the origin of non-compliance is identified, our experts work with the facility to Develop, Implement and Monitor a Corrective Action Plan to avoid re-occurrence. Most common and major causes of non-compliance are enlisted below:

  • Poor communication of customer RSL and MRSL requirements along the supply chain to the wet processing facilities
  • Lack of a Responsible Person with sufficient chemical knowledge in the facility
  • Poor control of Incoming Raw Materials, including greige fabrics and yarns as well as dyes and chemicals
  • Inadequate Controls & Monitoring of Incoming Water Quality especially where it is from surface water or boreholes
  • Lack of awareness of facilities of Best Available Technologies for preparation, dyeing and finishing
  • Inadequate or Improperly-functioning Wastewater Treatment Plant leading to excursions on effluent water parameters such as pH, color, BOD, COD, heavy metals etc.
  • Or simply a Cleaning Material used in the facility that is cause of non-compliance
•  Water Use - Water Balance

Greenhouse gas is any gaseous compound in the atmosphere that is Capable of Absorbing Infrared Radiation, thereby Trapping & Holding Heat in the Atmosphere. By increasing the heat in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases are responsible for the greenhouse effect, which ultimately leads to Global Warming. Brands are very much conscious about GHG emissions and their proper control to remain most sustainable and competitive among their competitor. SCM experts help you manage your Energy Sources, their Categorisation, their related Contribution, Use and Management to make sure the GHG level does not exceed the Legal Compliant Limits as well as Client Specific Limits for GHG. We help calculate, monitor and eliminate the potential sources of GHG and push/lead your organization to Go Green and attain the Carbon Neutral Status

Every process finds its excellence, keeping behind waste, so Waste Management becomes quite important. SCM experts help the organizations to remain compliant and Save a Lot of Money by Minimizing Waste Generation Rates and Recover & Utilize by-products of Waste. We provide advise and solutions for the complete Range of Waste Management Issues covering all sorts of Hazardous & Non-Hazardous wastes. We will assist your organization in Developing Sustainable Practices to address your requirements now and into the future. We work closely with environmental planners, scientists and community consultants to deliver an integrated, full cycle service to our clients. We help categorize and manage different types of waste and help prepare / maintain their record for law enforcement agencies as well as for brand representative to show your vigilance and presence towards Sustainable Development.

Our experts work closely with your team to develop Traceability Systems for brands and retailers to make even complex supply chains transparent. The aims are no longer exclusively to minimize costs or to shorten delivery times, but have developed to include modern company management themes like global warming, environmental footprint and social accountability.

Our systems are working successfully for more than ten years and meet the challenge to make supply chains of any kind of consumer goods more transparent. Detailed data documentation, regular visits in production areas on-site to assess the compliance with ecological, social and quality standards established in advance, just as the constant, collaborative work on improvements in the fabrics assure that supply chains remain sustainable and safe. We work with preventive methods according to the principle: Avoid, Reduce, Replace

Inventory Management is the major hassle now a days, Facilities are facing it as a huge challenge to manage different inventory format for each of their Clients, as advised by their Special Instructions, SCM affiliates helps Facilities manage the comprehensive inventory formate to fulfil the needs in more attractive way to align your clients. Key Objectives of our Chemical Inventory Management Programs are enlisted below as:

• Understand the intrinsic hazards of chemicals stored in the facility and used in application processes or for other functions e.g. hygiene chemicals used in sanitary areas
• Ensure workers are given sufficient information, training and guidance on how to safely store, transport, use and dispose of chemicals in a safe and consistent manner
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all chemicals used in the facility as required by most of the Clients.
• Minimize adverse effects of chemicals on the health and safety of the workforce, environment and society.

SCM is able to build improved chemical management capability in the supply chain by working with employees at your facilities, using classroom-based trainings and webinars.

We support you and your suppliers with custom-tailored services in the field of Social Accountability and Occupational Health & Safety. We foster the development of social performance in production areas. On behalf of brands and retailers, we control the compliance with company’s code of conduct and minimise risks of violations of employment or human rights by starting a remediation process. Thereby, we develop individual improvement measures and accompany the implementation over a period of several months. Depending on the needs, our action plan includes concrete measures to improve fire protection, protective equipment, ventilation or the storage of hazardous substances. In addition to this, improved structures concerning wages, overtime or the age of workers are built up.

On behalf of brands or retailers, we analyse suppliers’ performance concerning social accountability. We assess manufactures and traders concerning working conditions, occupational health and safety and their compliance with individual customer’s code of conduct.

Brands and retailers often are only able to control to a certain extend the social accountability of their suppliers and producers. We assess working and employment conditions, identify weak points and point out fields of action. Through communication and targeted measures we aimed to have a positive effect on future developments.

The steps of the monitoring process are:

• Online pre-assessment by questionnaire,
• Company visit on-site including interviews with employees and the verification of documents
• Final report, which points out the status quo, identifies gaps and elaborates improvement measures

Upon request, we develop an individual action plan and accompany the gradual implementation of improvements. The social and legal particularities in the relevant countries are considered in each case.

Our experts approved for Higg Index FEM 3.0 & FSLM, from Sustainable Apparel Coalition are helping Brands, Retailers, Manufacturers, Government, and Non-governmental organizations and Academic experts, around the globe. We in SCM International are working to reduce the Environmental, Chemical and Social Impacts of apparel and footwear products around the world. We help facilities to align their systems with the most updated trends and requirements of leading clients, which result in the improvement of Higg Score and help Facilities to transform them as Learning Organizations. 

We at SCM International, help create groundbreaking suite for retailers and facilities of all sizes, at every stage in their sustainability journey, to measure their environmental, chemical and social and labor impacts and identify areas for improvement.

SCM International is there to analyse suppliers’ performance concerning social accountability. We assess manufactures and traders concerning working conditions, occupational health and safety and their compliance with individual customer’s code of conduct.

Brands and retailers often are only able to control to a certain extend the social accountability of their suppliers and producers. We assess working and employment conditions, identify weak points and point out fields of action. Through communication and targeted measures we aimed to have a positive effect on future developments.

The steps of the monitoring process are:

• Online pre-assessment by questionnaire,
• Company visit on-site including interviews with employees and the verification of documents
• Final report, which points out the status quo, identifies gaps and elaborates improvement measures

Upon request, we develop an individual action plan and accompany the gradual implementation of improvements. The social and legal particularities in the relevant countries are considered in each case.

SCM International is leader in Lab Development, Method Development, Method Validation & Staff Trainings, and creating collaborative sustainability lab solutions for business. For 25 years, SCM International has captured the vision and experience of global corporate Environmental, Chemical, Health and Safety (EHS) and Sustainability Leaders from diverse business sectors through the development of a wide range of publicly-available, solutions-based tools designed to help companies improve the environment, their operations and add business value. Spanning multiple eras of Lab Management, and Development SCM International has remained on the leading edge.

SCM International is unique in that it provides a way for companies in a wide range of industrial sectors to work together in a cost effective manner. Members address strategic and tactical issues impacting progressive corporate environmental, chemical, health and safety activities in their companies around the world.