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Annual Risk Assessment

Chemical and Waste Management Plan

PLNTmatter Chemical and Waste Management Plan for Third-Party Manufacturers

 

 

📄 Version: Draft 1.0

Effective Date: January 1st 2025
Policy Owner: SVP Product and Strategic Growth
Review Cycle: Annually or as legal and technical standards evolve

 

 

1. Purpose

To define mandatory environmental, health, and safety (EHS) practices for all third-party manufacturers working with PLNTmatter materials. This plan ensures global compliance with chemical management protocols, worker protection, and waste disposal best practices.

 

 

2. Scope

This plan applies to:

  • All chemical and fiber-processing partners within PLNTmatter’s supply network

  • Facilities operating under direct contract or joint development agreements with PLNTmatter

  • Subcontractors handling wet processing, pulping, finishing, or closed-loop recovery processes

 

 

3. Chemical Handling and Safety Requirements

3.1 Safe Handling and Storage

  • All chemicals used must be handled in accordance with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and REACH-compliant documentation

  • Chemicals must be labeled, stored securely in designated containment zones, and inventoried monthly

3.2 Staff Training and Safety Equipment

  • All personnel handling chemicals must undergo certified safety training at least once annually

  • Training must include hazard identification, spill response, and use of protective equipment

  • Facilities must provide and enforce the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, goggles, face shields, and ventilation support

 

 

4. Waste Management Protocol

4.1 Waste Classification and Disposal

  • Facilities must separate waste into hazardous, recyclable, and non-hazardous streams

  • Hazardous waste must be disposed of by certified waste management providers in compliance with local and international environmental regulations

  • Non-hazardous and recyclable waste should be prioritized for reuse or recycling where technically feasible

4.2 Water and Effluent Management

  • All liquid waste must be treated through a verified treatment system prior to discharge

  • Chemical-laden wastewater may not be released untreated under any condition

  • Clean water released into the local environment must constitute no more than 2% of total processed volume, and must meet discharge quality parameters set by EU Water Framework Directive or equivalent regional standard

4.3 Reverse Logistics and Waste Recovery Partnerships

  • PLNTmatter monitors all waste generation annually as part of our internal environmental performance reviews

  • Where possible, waste materials are redirected through approved reverse logistics partners for upcycling or advanced recycling

  • These partners are evaluated for their technical capabilities and alignment with PLNTmatter’s zero-waste and circular economy goals

 

 

5. Closed-Loop Recovery System (Fiber Processing Facilities Only)

5.1 Recovery System Requirements

  • Facilities must operate closed-loop chemical recovery systems with a minimum recovery efficiency of 98%

  • Recovery efficiency must be validated via quarterly audits and material balance documentation

5.2 Monitoring and Optimization

  • Operators must track chemical input/output, system losses, and recapture performance

  • Maintenance and calibration schedules must be implemented to minimize inefficiencies and improve solvent capture rates

 

 

6. Chemical Management Strategy

PLNTmatter's chemical management strategy includes the following principles and protocols:

  • Waterway Discharge Control: All chemical discharges into waterways are evaluated and minimized through effluent treatment and closed-loop processes.

  • Air Emissions Management: Facilities must assess and mitigate any chemical discharge into the air, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs), using appropriate filtration and ventilation systems.

  • Sludge and Solid Waste Control: Discharge of sludge and other solid chemical byproducts must be captured, classified, and either treated or responsibly disposed of using certified waste handlers.

  • Restricted Substances Strategy: PLNTmatter maintains a Restricted Substances List (RSL) that prohibits or limits the use of highly toxic substances in fiber and material production. This list aligns with global MRSLs (e.g., ZDHC) and REACH guidelines.

  • Tier 4 Chemical Output Oversight: All fiber and material leaving Tier 4 facilities must be screened against the RSL to ensure that banned substances are not present in final outputs.

 

 

7. Compliance and Auditing

  • Facilities are subject to periodic audits by PLNTmatter and/or designated third-party assessors

  • Any violations or non-conformance must be corrected within 30 days of notification

  • Repeated violations may result in contract suspension or termination

 

 

8. Continuous Improvement

  • Facilities are encouraged to adopt ZDHC Roadmap to Zero guidelines and chemical inventory transparency tools

  • PLNTmatter will provide technical support for transitioning to safer chemistry and improved waste diversion practices

 

 

Statement of Commitment
All third-party partners working with PLNTmatter materials are expected to uphold this plan to ensure a safe working environment, prevent environmental harm, and support a regenerative production ethos.