The Future is all About Sustainable Fashion: Could ZED Certification Expand to the Jewellery Industry Soon?

In April 2022, the Ministry of MSME rolled out a revamped Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) Certification Scheme to help Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises go green by adopting ZED Certification. Aiming for a sustainable tomorrow, this certification is a step towards reducing waste, saving energy, and maximising eco-friendliness, ultimately leading to Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED). Notably, if ZED certification could be applied in the jewellery industry, what potential influence would it have on shaping the future of sustainable fashion?

Sustainability has found its roots in almost every industry in this world. From production to packaging, every sector is encouraged to adopt an earth-friendly way of creating products. The current situations are not just alarming us for changing the way we consume but also the way we produce. ZED is just one of those supportive initiatives that emphasise and also encourage us to not burn holes in our pockets by saving energy, material and the environment.

Slow fashion diaries are making us more comfortable with the credo of "less is more". Making a positive impact on the health of our planet. While ZED is giving importance to making even that less with more care and precision. When the manufacturing industry engages in the process of precision, it will lead to the creation of more quality production, less wastage as well and potential time-saving efforts of employees.

Picture Source: ZED MSME

Zero Defect, Zero Effect (ZED) is planned to make Indian companies globally competitive and help them get easier access to capital. It has a three-level certification model: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level is based on how well a company performs in 20 key areas like quality, on-time delivery, waste management, and more. You start with Bronze after meeting five parameters, Silver at 14, and Gold at a perfect score. But ZED is also a vision that extends itself from a local to a global level.

"Now, we have to walk towards being the best in the world in the manufacturing industry. I had said from the Red Fort - Zero Defect, Zero Effect (ZED). There should be no defects in our products, and the process should not have an effect on our environment. We have to go before the world with this 'Zero Defect, Zero Effect'," said Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the Special Session of Parliament.

Besides cleanliness and safety, ZED focuses on the market expansion of the MSMEs while incentivizing them and aiming to take India to implement this idea successfully before other countries and let the world follow suit.

"ZED is not just a certification; it's a catalyst for India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. By nurturing excellence in manufacturing and promoting sustainability, we are building the foundation for a prosperous future," stated Jaxay Shah, Chairperson of the Quality Council of India.

While ZED is enhancing eco-consciousness and optimal usage of natural resources, it is also weaving a space for increasing sustainability. With its every aspect, ZED certification feels like a right fit for the jewellery industry as well. Fashion apparel and jewellery are two of the giant industries. With the concern of fast fashion and swiftly passing trends, these industries contribute to heaps of wastage and are causing an alarming threat to our environment. If ZED certification extends to the jewellery industry, there are high chances of contributing to the quality production, safety of employees, and building a thriving and greener environment.

ZED certification would encourage jewellery companies to take a stronger step towards crafting sustainable jewellery, of which every detail and design speaks of ethical shine. Moreover, the three-level model will lay a roadmap for brands to upgrade their vision and achieve an ultimate goal. Throughout the process, ZED certification can further improve the jewellery industry's deliverables as well as neutralising its impact on our planet.

Quality assurance can be the right check that ZED can mark in the list. Oftentimes, scratches, sharp edges and lousy fit/finish colours rob the jewellery of its charm.

Picture Source: Rapaport

With a focus on zero defects in products, ZED can assure quality checks of jewellery, reducing the need for replacements and repairs while also minimising the demand for more resources.

On the other hand, it would also reduce the environmental impact by neutralising carbon footprint, and minimising water usage and chemical emissions. Even luxury jewellery brands like Catbird and Mejuri use sustainable gemstones and metals to ensure that they stay conscious yet chic in every essence.

The impact of mining and extraction causes a burden on natural resources as well as proves to be a hazardous occupation for labourers. With ZED certification, which gives a space for innovation and encourages climate-positive initiatives, ethical sourcing can make its way into the mainstream of the jewellery industry. As with the rise of conscious fashion, a positive shift in the mindsets of consumers can be witnessed. There's a high possibility that ZED can ensure that these conscious consumers are getting qualitative sustainable products that are budget-friendly as well as remain a responsible choice for them.

Picture Source: Pinterest

As Paul McCartney said, "There must be a better way to make the things we want, a way that doesn't spoil the sky, or the rain or the land.” ZED certification seems to be one of those ways. From resource efficiency to responsible sourcing, this scheme can apply to almost all aspects of the jewellery industry. It can create a win-win solution at all levels, as no defective products can lead to saving time, energy and resources while also cutting down costs for companies and leading to more profit margin. In addition, every unit altogether can align the whole industry with the global trends towards eco-conscious consumption and production.

Sustainability practices also build transparency between consumers and the company. It forms a strong foundation of trust among consumers as they can trace back the roots of their jewellery pieces—from its material sourcing to making—the buyers have an in-depth knowledge of the purchase they have made. Furthermore, a ZED certification is also a credible proof to acknowledge. All this together, can uplift the jewellery company's market positioning and sales.

With innovative approaches and ideas, ZED certification can give a facelift to our vision of a sustainable jewellery industry. A greener future arrives with a greener idea—Zero Defect, Zero Effect can be the one for the jewellery industry.