Non-governmental sustainability organisation Solidaridad recently published a Wet Processing Guidebook for the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT), homing in on the dyeing, printing and finishing areas of the garment supply chain. The document provides a comprehensive look at wet processing, its environmental impacts, chemicals management and health and safety standards for employees.

The Dutch AGT is a five-year initiative established in 2016 to form better supply chain practices in the global garment sector. Signatories include brands like C&A, Esprit and G-Star Raw as well as the Foreign Trade Association (FTA), along with other industry associations, trade unions, non-governmental organisations and the Netherlands government .

The guidebook provides a list tools and additional resources for reducing the use of resources and limiting waste every step of the way.

In November, the Dutch government introduced the Denim Deal, a three-year initiative by public and private organisations to help make the global denim supply chain more sustainable. Brands such as Mud Jeans, Kings of Indigo, House of Denim and Scotch & Soda committed to the deal, which calls for the use of at least 5 per cent recycled textile in all denim garments.