bluesign CMR Solvent Phaseout Program
In a bid to enhance environmental performance and ensure consumer safety, we have launched a comprehensive phaseout program for critical solvents. Since its inception in September 2021, this initiative has gained traction among our system partner manufacturers, aiming to mitigate the adverse effects of hazardous substances.
CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction) substances such as Dimethylformamide or Toluene pose significant risks to human health, particularly in industries like textile manufacturing, footwear production, and accessory manufacturing. To address these concerns, bluesign’s CMR solvent management concept advocates for the use of less hazardous alternatives and emphasizes non-regrettable substitution with water-based processes emerging as a viable solution.
As of January 1, 2022, manufacturers failing to comply with the CMR solvent management concept are barred from joining the bluesign® SYSTEM, underscoring our commitment to sustainability standards.
We at bluesign are pleased to report that a considerable number of its system partner manufacturers have already implemented the necessary measures well ahead of the previously stated 2024 deadline. This proactive approach has received praise from industry leaders like Mikio Umekawa, Managing Director at system partner Japanese manufacturer Tecone Co., Ltd. highlighting the significance of environmental stewardship in corporate management.
“Proactive efforts for environmental issues are an essential factor for our future corporate management and this has a significant impact on our vision as a textile finishing manufacturer that plays an important role in the apparel industry. It is also fact that manufacturing itself places a burden on the environment. It is a company’s mission and social responsibility to continuously decrease the resource consumption of wastewater, air emission and waste, etc. We believe that it will also contribute to further development of our company.
Mikio Umekawa, Managing Director of Tecone Co., Ltd.
TECONE Co., Ltd. conducted the bluesign® ASSESSMENT in 2019 and decided to install RTO in order to reduce VOCs in the surrounding environment. Our core product is breathable and has waterproof film. In order to bring new products to market quickly, we decided that it was extremely important to install RTO to improve our manufacturing system and reduce the impact on the environment.”
Despite this progress, we emphasize the need for full industry adoption of the CMR solvent concept. Revised timelines have been established for manufacturers currently in the implementation phase to ensure alignment with sustainability goals.
Important deadlines regarding certification of bluesign® APPROVED articles have also been outlined, focusing on compliance with CMR solvent management principles.
■ As of January 1, 2024: Certificates granted only for articles produced at production sites which comply with the CMR solvent management concept or for which an improvement plan exists.
■ As of January 1, 2027: Certificates granted only for articles which are produced at production sites which comply with the CMR solvent management concept.
For companies that have not changed to less hazardous solvent alternatives or water-based processes the following actions are mandatory according to the bluesign CMR solvent management concept:
■ Install an off-gas abatement system with an efficiency for CMR solvent(s) of at least 95% or a TOC concentration in the off-gas of less than 10 mg/m³ (all relevant emission ports) or install a recycling system with an efficiency for CMR solvents of 95% or more.
Our team extends its appreciation to all brand system partners committed to environmental sustainability. As a partner in this endeavor, bluesign emphasizes the importance of strategic investments in sustainability, despite potential material price increases. Collaboration between brands and manufacturers is crucial for the successful implementation of advanced machinery and technologies aimed at avoiding and capturing toxic fumes and reducing environmental impact.
