Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemical compounds found in various products that vaporise and emit as gases into the environment under normal conditions. These compounds significantly contribute to air pollution and can affect both short-term and long-term health, with some VOCs being suspected or proven carcinogens. Growing consumer awareness, coupled with increasingly stringent regulations, has intensified the pressure on businesses to effectively manage VOCs in their processes and products.

To support businesses in their management of VOCs, Eurofins provides a full range of VOC emission testing services, delivering accurate and reliable results through cost-effective plans that are aligned with ZDHC Air Emissions Guidelines.

Management of VOCs in textile and footwear supply chains

VOCs are widely used throughout textile and footwear supply chains in various forms, including as cleaning agents, adhesives, coatings, screen print inks, and coated fabric. VOCs maybe found as impurities in polystyrene-based resins used in the production of plastic trims and are utilised in processes like dry cleaning, finishing, and degreasing.

Many brands are adapting their marketing strategies to include commitments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This shift often involves transparency about GHG emissions per product in terms of kg of CO₂, which is becoming a key factor in consumer decision-making.

The chemical transformation of VOCs to highly reactive volatile substances is a significant contributor to atmospheric ozone formation. Therefore, accurate VOC testing across the entire value chain is essential for setting effective reduction goals.

ZDHC Air Emission Guidelines

The ZDHC Air Emissions Guidelines provide a framework to businesses for assessing air pollutants from textile, leather, apparel, and footwear facilities. Version 1.0 focuses on the evaluation of VOCs through a calculation model based on the Potential to Emit (PTE) for VOCs derived from the chemical inventory used in production processes. Additionally, the guidelines also include expectations from suppliers for actions on their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The implementation period of ZDHC Air Emissions Guidelines V1.0 starts from 1st January 2025 and ends with the publication of the next update.

Eurofins’ CleanAir Check for VOC testing

Eurofins’ CleanAir Check allows businesses that generate considerable VOC emissions throughout their supply chains, such as the textile and footwear industries, to align with ZDHC Air Emissions Guidelines and achieve regulatory compliance. This service provides comprehensive VOC testing, utilising proprietary and industry-approved methods to assist retailers, brands, and manufacturers in the textile and footwear industries.

Advantages Eurofins’ CleanAir Check for VOC testing

• Ensuring compliance with ZDHC Air Emission Guidelines V1.0: We help suppliers calculate the 100% Potential to Emit (PTE) VOCs based on the chemical inventory used in production processes to generate reports for the ZDHC Supplier Platform Air Emissions Module and develop implementation plans to reduce VOC emissions.
• Measuring actual VOC emissions: We conduct tests to measure actual VOC emissions at various production stages using advanced analytical techniques to detect trace amounts of VOCs. This data is then compared to the calculated PTE to verify accuracy and is used for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting.
• Detecting beyond VOCs: Our testing detects prohibited, hazardous chemicals beyond Volatile Organic Compounds.
• Determining roadmaps to achieve sustainability targets: By taking a comprehensive approach, Eurofins helps identify the root causes of VOC emissions, enabling brands to create effective VOC reduction plans. This process supports brands in minimising their carbon footprint, aligning with their sustainability goals and environmental strategies.
• Ensuring alignment with ZDHC Air Emissions Guidelines: We ensure test method alignment with future air emission updates, such as trends in the ZDHC Air Emissions Guidelines.

VOC testing resources

Eurofins is passionate about providing you with accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information. Please see below for valuable resources on VOC testing.

• Upcoming webinar | VOC Emissions: Impacts, Compliance, and Solutions for Cleaner Air. Registration opening soon!
• White paper | VOC Emissions: Impacts, Compliance, and Solutions for Cleaner Air. Coming soon!

Embrace a future of regulatory compliance and consumer trust with Eurofins

With a global network of testing services and specialised teams of local experts, we have the resources and capabilities to meet your testing needs. Contact us today to learn more!