Freshwater Management Policy
PLNTmatter Freshwater Management Policy for Manufacturing Partners
📅 Version: Draft 1.0
Effective Date: January 1st, 2025
Policy Owner: SVP Product and Strategic Growth
Review Frequency: Every 3 years or as water risks evolve
1. Purpose
This policy outlines the requirements for responsible freshwater management at third-party fiber production facilities manufacturing PLNTmatter materials. The policy aims to safeguard water quantity and quality for both operational use and surrounding ecosystems and communities.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all contracted manufacturing partners, including subcontracted processors and wet-processing units that rely on any freshwater inputs or generate liquid effluent as part of fiber production.
3. Water Management Plan Requirements
3.1 Water Health Strategy
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A documented Freshwater Management Plan (FMP) must be implemented and reviewed every 3 years at minimum.
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The plan must include location-specific interventions aligned with local watershed risks and regional environmental priorities.
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The strategy must address:
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On-site impacts: process water use, wastewater generation, recycling, and discharge management.
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Off-site impacts: effects on local water tables, ecosystems, and community access.
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Preventative and corrective actions must be detailed to avoid harm to water quality and availability.
3.2 Monitoring Protocol
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A continuous water health monitoring system must be in place, covering:
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Water consumption tracking by source
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Discharge volume and chemical content
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Water quality metrics pre- and post-treatment
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Monitoring outcomes must inform policy and target reviews.
3.3 External Verification
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All water-related data, targets, and impact assessments must be verified by an independent, third-party assessor.
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Facilities must grant access to third-party auditors to inspect records and infrastructure related to water use.
4. Water Quantity Strategy
Facilities must report on current water sourcing practices and implement continuous improvement plans aimed at reducing water stress and enhancing efficiency. Focus areas include:
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Reducing reliance on surface water sources by improving soil water holding capacity
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Optimizing rainwater use through improved rainwater capture, distribution, and irrigation strategies
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Enhancing rain-fed systems through soil fertility improvements and moisture retention practices
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Diversifying water sources to mitigate climate-related supply volatility
Where technically feasible, facilities should demonstrate actions taken to transition away from high-risk water inputs and contribute to sustainable watershed management.
5. Water Health Targets
Facilities must set, track, and report on measurable targets that include:
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% water reused or recycled
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Reduction in freshwater withdrawal per ton of fiber produced
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Discharge quality thresholds aligned with EU Water Framework Directive or equivalent
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Contribution to watershed replenishment or community water access projects where applicable
6. Statement of Commitment
All contracted manufacturing partners must adopt this policy and integrate it into their internal environmental health and safety systems. The goal is to ensure water resilience for future generations, reduce operational risk, and align with PLNTmatter’s global sustainability and impact goals.