Frequently Asked Questions About bluesign

bluesign is a sustainability solutions provider for the textile industry, ensuring that materials, chemicals, and manufacturing processes meet the highest environmental and safety standards. We work with brands, manufacturers, and chemical suppliers to reduce resource consumption, eliminate hazardous chemicals, and promote safer production.

Unlike other certifications that only assess finished products, bluesign works within the supply chain to ensure sustainability from the very first stage of production. This is achieved through:

• Input Stream Management – Ensuring only safe chemicals enter the supply chain.
• On-Site Assessments – Evaluating manufacturers and suppliers against bluesign CRITERIA.
• Ongoing Compliance & Improvement – Providing impact reports, sustainability roadmaps, and verified data to track progress.

bluesign systempartners gain:

• Verified Sustainability Practices–Independent assessments ensure compliance with global environmental and safety standards.
• Access to bluesign Tools–Including bluesign Finder,Guide, and Market place for chemical and textile sourcing and supply chain transparency.
• Improved Market Positioning–Brands and manufacturers with bluesign approval are recognized for their commitment to responsible production.

We offerthree levels of servicedepending on a company’s sustainability goals :

1. System Partnership–Full certification and access to all bluesign services.
2. Impact Services–Performance assessments and data-driven analysis to tracksustainability improvements.
3. Data Services–Providing brands and manufacturers with transparency on supply chainsustainability metrics.

The bluesign Criteria are a set of sustainability and safety guidelines that system partners must follow. These include:

• Compliance with global environmental regulations (e.g., REACH, ZDHC).
• Elimination of hazardous chemicals from production.
• Efficient use of water, energy, and other resources.
• Safe working conditions for employees.

Sustainable chemistry refers to using chemicals that are safe for workers, consumers, and the environment while maintaining high-performance production standards. bluesign ensures:

• All approved chemicals are screened for safety before entering the supply chain.
• Manufacturers replace hazardous substances with sustainable alternatives.
• Compliance with international safety and environmental guidelines.

Instead of testing finished products, bluesign prevents contamination at the source by ensuring only safe chemicals and materials are used from the beginning. This:

• Reduces risk for brands by minimizing chemical failures in the final product.
• Ensures compliance with strict environmental regulations.
• Lowers testing costs by eliminating hazardous substances before production starts.

• On-site audits and assessments of chemical suppliers and manufacturers.
• Annual sustainability impact reports to track improvement.
• The bluesign SYSTEM SUBSTANCE LIST (BSSL) – A comprehensive database of approved and restricted substances.

bluesign offers digital tools that support safer chemistry, responsible sourcing, and supply chain compliance:

• bluesign Finder – A searchable database of bluesign approved chemical products, helping manufacturers and suppliers identify safer options.
• bluesign Guide – A sourcing resource for brands and textile producers to find bluesign approved fabrics, trims, and accessories.
• bluesign Tool – A platform for chemical suppliers to submit and evaluate products against bluesign criteria.
• bluesign Cube – A partner platform that provides impact data, compliance management, and access to bluesign services.

bluesign® labels make it easier to identify safer and more sustainable choices.
Both bluesign® APPROVED and bluesign® PRODUCT represent verified levels of safety, responsibility, and transparency across the textile supply chain.
Every bluesign label means that sustainability is built into every step of production — protecting workers, the environment, and you.

The bluesign® APPROVED label applies to individual components, such as fabrics, accessories, or chemicals, that meet the strict environmental, health, and safety requirements defined by the bluesign CRITERIA.

These verified components are the foundation for safer and more responsible production.
bluesign® APPROVED products:

• Are made with safer chemistry
• Reduce environmental impact
• Protect workers and communities
• Support responsible resource use
• Offer a high level of consumer safety

The bluesign® PRODUCT label represents the highest level of assurance within the bluesign system. It appears on finished consumer goods such as apparel, footwear, and accessories made primarily from bluesign® APPROVED components.
bluesign® PRODUCTS:

• Contain at least 90% bluesign® APPROVED fabrics and 30% bluesign® APPROVED trims or accessories
• Source any remaining components from qualified suppliers
• Are made in factories that meet responsible manufacturing and social standards
• Are produced with minimal impact on people and the environment

• Health & Safety First: No harmful substances next to your skin.
• Better for the Planet: Lower impact on air, water, and energy use.
• Industry-Leading Standards: Verified by one of the world’s most rigorous sustainability systems.
• Trusted by Major Brands: Adopted by leading names in apparel, footwear, and outdoor gear.

• bluesign® APPROVED — Found on materials or components such as outdoor fabrics, trims, or home textiles.
• bluesign® PRODUCT — Found on finished goods like jackets, socks, or backpacks that meet the full bluesign CRITERIA.

Companies interested in joining the bluesign System can:

• Request an initial assessment to evaluate current sustainability practices.
• Work with bluesign experts to develop a roadmap for improvement.
• Undergo verification and compliance checks to receive certification.

• Brands and retailers can search for bluesign Approved products via the bluesign Finder.
• Consumers can look for the bluesign Product label when shopping for sustainable textiles.