What are Commodity Chemicals and what should I do with them?

Commodity Chemicals, as defined by the ZDHC, are single substances or chemical compounds with well-known chemical structures and a single CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number. These chemicals are typically used to create conditions or serve as aids in manufacturing processes. Two commodity chemicals produced by different manufacturers can be identical and interchangeable. They usually do not remain on the final product but are expected to be washed off during processing. 

While commodity chemicals are covered by the ZDHC MRSL (Manufacturing Restricted Substances List), they are excluded from the Performance InCheck Report due to the challenge of engaging the commodity chemicals industry in the ZDHC Gateway and incorporating these substances into the ZDHC Gateway’s database of products that conform to the ZDHC MRSL. 

Commodity chemical manufacturers serve multiple industries and are not limited to textiles, apparel, leather, and footwear, which makes it challenging in terms of traceability and mapping. The main factors influencing the purchase of commodity chemicals are often cost and immediate accessibility. As a result, it is quite usual for buyers to frequently change their suppliers for these chemicals. 

To ensure that your inventory for the current month is updated, here are some tips: 

Review and Update Your Inventory 

Regularly review and update your chemical inventory to reflect any changes or new additions. This includes verifying that all chemicals, including commodity chemicals, are accurately recorded. 

Monthly Inventory Updates 

Ensure that the inventory is updated monthly to include all chemicals used during the period. This should be part of a routine process to maintain accurate and current records.  

Be Familiar with the ZDHC Updated Guidelines 

Suppliers should familiarize themselves with the ZDHC Commodity Chemical Guide. This guide outlines best practices for managing commodity chemicals, ensuring that they are evaluated and stored responsibly.  

For more information on Commodity Chemicals click here 

Vishal Londhe,​ Supplier Success Manager, Cleanchain​

As the Supplier Success Manager at CleanChain, Vishal joined the team in 2023 and has since been at the helm of the Supplier Success Team. Collaborating closely with brands, suppliers, and partners, he plays a pivotal role in supporting their onboarding programs.