ZDHC announces new appointments to board of directors

The Netherlands-based Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Foundation (ZDHC), a partnership of leading brands and associate contributors dedicated to moving toward zero discharge of hazardous chemicals, has announced new appointments to its board of directors, following the board election and appointment process of 2022.

ZDHC was able to accomplish its goal of shifting the board of directors to a more diversified and multi-stakeholder representation thanks to the new appointments made in the 2022 election.

The goal of ZDHC was to create a board with seven seats for brand categories, two seats for chemical suppliers, two seats for manufacturers, and one seat for an academic candidate.

Abhishek Bansal was chosen for a second term to serve as secretary/manufacturer, while Renee Hackenmiller-Paradis has been selected as treasurer/brand category seat. The academic seat has been given to Dr. Mark Sumner, a lecturer in sustainable fashion at the School of Design, University of Leeds. A brand category seat has also been allocated to Mia Gunawan.

The position of ZDHC’s board chair has changed in addition to the appointment of new board members. Now 2017, Manuel Baigorri had been a cherished board member of ZDHC but has since left as a result of a change in work.

Francesco Pianca has been chosen to serve as the board’s temporary chair in the wake of Manuel’s departure until the new appointments of the board committee heads are made.

Frank Michel, executive director, the ZDHC Foundation, said that he is happy to report that they finished switching to a multistakeholder board one year earlier than expected. Mark and Mia join the board, and they are happy to have them. Their varied backgrounds and experience will be incredibly helpful as they continue to carry out their future goals. They also give Abhishek their congratulations on being re-elected to the board. Their board is now well-balanced with a mix of business savvy, industry knowledge, and academic perspectives to support us as they move forward, thanks to the addition of Mark, Mia, and Abhishek as well as the continued service of their current board members.

In the 2023 ZDHC board election process, which is anticipated to begin in the second quarter (Q2) of 2023, four brand category seats will be up for election.