Story
Pioneering sustainable industry manufacturing
bluesign® is a true millennial. The company was founded in 2000 and it set out to change the standard mentality within the industry. The millennium not only marked a new era, but for many people throughout the world, it also represented a switch in mindset. Dirty waters, smoggy air and tainted soils — the global environmental burden as a result of human action increasingly became clearer. Immediate action was urgent.
Environmental solutions 20 years ahead of their time
Know your input. Understand your output. Input Stream Management: an idea 20 years ahead of its time.
Bluesign was established by a Swiss textile company that developed a process allowing for the lowest possible environmental impact and an increase of resource efficiency, with consideration for worker and consumer safety. While these practices are now commonplace, 20 years ago, we were thinking two decades ahead of our time. Our 20 years of experience have allowed us to develop proven solutions to provide you with the best support.
Follow our journey to see how far we have come and how much further we will go.
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Bluesign at ISPO
ISPO and Bluesign have a long relationship. Bluesign launched its first product produced with the trademark bluesign® in 2001.
Pioneering sustainable chemistry
Together with leading chemical suppliers, Bluesign developed the world’s first Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL). This was followed by the introduction of the first comprehensive chemical positive list. Both of which are still in use today for evaluating and preventing environmental and human risks.
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Technological breakthrough for the industry: a search engine for responsibly produced materials
The bluesign® GUIDE was introduced. This bluesign® SYSTEM Input Stream Management provided a search engine that allowed converters and brands to replace expensive and time-consuming end-sample testing.
This industry breakthrough introduced the first holistic solution, which encompassed a best-practice approach: no compromises on quality, functionality and design. Companies developed their sustainability goals while improving their bottom lines.
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Bluesign hits the Consumer Market
Together with VAUDE, the first ever bluesign® label was released on the market.
EU chemical law and SGS investment triggered growing interest in sustainable solutions from Bluesign
EU REACH laws recognized the need for human and environmental protection from chemical risks. REACH solidified the long-established Bluesign mentality of a best practice approach without economic compromise.
In 2008, SGS became a primary investor in Bluesign. This partnership allowed for further global expansion and network access while strengthening the development of Bluesign as an industry leader and sustainable solutions as a market necessity.
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Launch of the world’s most extensive list of chemical substances
bluesign® SYSTEM SUBSTANCE LIST (BSSL)/en/downloads/ was introduced with more than 900 chemical substances and 600 banned substances relating to the textile industry.
A chemical management approach for the responsible and sustainable production of accessories and trims was established, bringing additional chemical manufacturers into the holistic bluesign approach:bluesign® SYSTEM
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history-title
The outdoor industry forged the path for sustainable fashion. Through its direct interaction with nature, they recognized their impact on the environment and society much quicker than those in the fashion industry. The bluesign® SYSTEM, using Best Available Technology (BAT), became the bench mark for the outdoor industry. This industry standard was introduced as a solution for the fashion industry when Greenpeace accelerated their DETOX Campaign. Bluesign’s BAT practices determined a potential reduction of water by 50%, energy by 30% and chemical use by 15%.
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Benchmark for chemical product stewardship
A benchmark was set within the industry based on the publicly available criteria developed by Bluesign. This benchmark determined the most important step for chemical management in order to reduce the negative environmental and human impact. These criteria have since been implemented by more than 195 chemical manufacturers.
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500 partnerships working towards sustainability
500 partners strong! 133 chemical suppliers, 370 manufacturers, 89 brands and 2 industry machine firms recognized the need for an increased systematic approach towards sustainability. These companies, using the proven Input Stream Management, ensured the more sustainable production of textiles.
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The need for sustainable data transparency
Consumer demand for the utmost transparency and supply chain traceability was met with the launch of the bluesign® CUBE. This platform allows for verifiable actions on eKPIs and simplifies system standardization for companies and manufacturers.
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The need for sustainable data transparency
The market is changing faster than ever before. The impact of this on the environment and society reflects these changes. Consumer awareness and demands are increasing.
How do you foresee the upcoming trends and needs for your market sector?
How do you foresee the upcoming trends and needs for your market sector?
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Management
bluesign technologies is led by a dynamic group of individuals with many years of experience in the textile and chemical industries. The management uses its experience and expertise to enhance the manufacturing processes of its customers, while cultivating a positive movement toward sustainability in the textile industry.
- Daniel Rüfenacht — CEO
- Barbara Oswald — CCO
- Dr. Makeba Kampara — COO
- Philip Schär — Head of Chemical Sales
- Jenny Chung — Head of Sales Asia
- Dr. Daniel Waterkamp — Head of Academy
STAKEHOLDER
Stakeholder commitment is a continuous and integral part of our everyday business practices. Whether the further development of chemical management or expansion of our criteria for responsible production, the commitment of our partners and other experts is essential.
sgs
SGS, the world’s leading inspection, audit, and certification company and bluesign technologies decided in 2008 to work together to further develop bluesign® SERVICES and the independent bluesign® SYSTEM solution. This partnership allows further access to the extensive and globally established SGS network and guarantees a constant and reliable partnership for all stakeholders.
Collaborators
In the textile industry, and elsewhere, supply chains must be held increasingly accountable for their impacts. bluesign equips brands, manufacturers and chemical suppliers with the tools and solutions to meet ever higher sustainability standards. bluesign supports industries committed to safer workplaces, increased levels of environmental responsibility leading to deeper consumer trust and enhanced enterprise value.
