Stahl

Memberships towards sustainable development goals

To achieve a sustainable supply chain that continuously improves its environmental footprint, Stahl is a member of several working groups and foundations. Stahl supports and works together with partners that share our vision of reaching the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Stahl is committed to the guiding principles of UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. With this commitment we confirm the alignment of our strategy and operations with the universal principles of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. Stahl’s activities are therefore being aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established at the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.

Achieving the highest standards for sustainable chemical management

Stahl is committed to eliminating unwanted substances from the supply chain. As of January 2024, 2,161 products in Stahl’s portfolio meet the ZDHC Gateway (MRSL 3.1)’s highest compliance level (Level 3). This corresponds to approximately 70% of Stahl’s total sales revenue and 95% of revenue in its leather business unit.  

The ZDHC foundation is a multi-stakeholder organisation of over 320 signatories from across the fashion, garment and footwear industries, including brands, textile and leather suppliers, solutions providers and chemical suppliers. The ZDHC Chemicals to Zero program is focused on driving better chemistry in chemical formulations used in the textile and leather apparel and footwear industries. Stahl is committed to full ZDHC conformance of its formulations in these industry segments. 

Ensuring product safety for our customers 

Ensuring the safety of all our stakeholders is a priority at Stahl. This includes phasing out unwanted substances. As part of this commitment, we participate in the ZDHC Gateway platform, the leading sourcing initiative dedicated to enabling safer chemical choices for the textile, apparel and footwear industries. Chemical formulators that join the ZDHC Gateway play a vital role in driving the fashion and apparel industry’s adoption of safer chemical management practices. Products that meet the requirements of the ZDHC’s Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) are published on the Gateway platform and product performance is tracked. Making our products safe 

Building a sustainable future with responsible leather

We are a member of the Leather Working Group (LWG), a global multi-stakeholder community committed to building a sustainable future with responsible leather. They are a not-for-profit organisation that drives best practices and positive social and environmental change for responsible leather production. 

The organisation aims to have a positive impact on the environment, as well as communities, through driving: 

  • Increased supply chain traceability & transparency 

  • Increased knowledge & access to data 

  • Improved resource efficiency in leather production 

  • Reduced waste generation and emissions to the environment 

  • Improved chemical management and increased use of non-hazardous chemicals 

  • Increased due diligence on the issues of deforestation and animal welfare 

  • Improved working conditions and fair treatment of workers 
     

TEGEWA member for responsible chemical management

Stahl is a member of TEGEWA (German association of speciality chemicals for textile and leather treatment), a group of chemical manufacturers supplying the leather, textile and paper industries. TEGEWA’s purpose is to identify, review and make recommendations on topics relevant for the industry. Stahl is an active participant in the group, especially on topics related to chemicals management and the safety and health of workers who may be handling chemicals in the garment and footwear supply chain. 

As of June 2024, Joachim Henkmann (Global Marketing Director – Leather) joined the TEGEWA Board, representing Stahl in this group.