The bluesign System is a holistic approach to sustainable manufacturing. It connects all parts of the textile value chain—from chemical suppliers to brands—and verifies inputs, processes, and outputs based on rigorous bluesign CRITERIA.

Key elements include:

• Input Stream Management: Ensures only safe chemicals and raw materials are used.
• On-site Assessments: Conducted by bluesign experts to evaluate and improve environmental and safety performance.
• Continuous Improvement: Partners receive tailored roadmaps and impact reports.
• Digital Tools: Including bluesign CUBE, FINDER, GUIDE, TOOL, and XPERT for managing compliance, sourcing, and reporting.

Becoming a bluesign System Partner means joining a global network of trusted textile leaders committed to safe, sustainable, and responsible production. bluesign provides partners with expert support, verified tools, and the systems needed to improve performance and meet the highest environmental and chemical safety standards.

Key benefits of bluesign System Partnership

1. Structured sustainability guidance

• On-site company assessments every 3 years by bluesign experts
• Customized gap analysis and roadmaps for improvement
• Verified progress reports to track development

2. Access to industry-leading tools

• Use of the bluesign CUBE platform for tracking supply chain impact
• Entry to the bluesign GUIDE, FINDER and, TOOL
• Helpdesk support, webinars, and e-learning through the bluesign Academy

3. Verified data for reporting and compliance

• Annual impact reports with aggregated supply chain data
• Verified data collection for ESG, DPP, and regulatory reporting
• Higg Index verification support

4. Product and chemical registration

• Eligible to list components in the bluesign GUIDE or FINDER
• Chemical suppliers gain access to the bluesign TOOL for assessments
• Note: bluesign Product labeling requires all components to be bluesign Approved and sourced from system partners

5. Trademark and certification opportunities

• Permission to use the bluesign System Partner trademark
• Eligibility for certification of chemicals, materials, and textiles as bluesign Approved
• Visibility to top global brands seeking trusted partners

bluesign offers a range of services designed to help brands, manufacturers, and chemical suppliers improve sustainability, reduce risk, and meet global standards for safer textile production.

The main bluesign services include:

1. System Partnership
A solutions service for companies committed to improving environmental performance across their supply chain. Includes on-site assessments, verified data, improvement roadmaps, and access to bluesign tools. System partner companies may also be eligible to certify components or chemicals as bluesign Approved.

2. Impact Services
Designed for manufacturers seeking to understand and improve their environmental footprint. Includes facility assessments, chemical inventory reviews, benchmarking, and ESG-ready reporting.

3. Data Services
Provides supply chain visibility by aggregating verified data from system partners. Enables brands to monitor performance, set goals, and make informed sourcing decisions.

Each service level includes access to the bluesign CUBE platform, expert guidance, and annual impact reports to support compliance, transparency, and continuous improvement.

The bluesign CRITERIA are a strict set of environmental, health, and safety requirements that companies must meet to become part of the bluesign system. These criteria apply to chemicals, materials, and manufacturing processes across the entire textile supply chain.

They are designed to:

• Eliminate hazardous substances from the start of production
• Ensure responsible use of resources like water, energy, and raw materials
• Protect workers, consumers, and the environment
• Align with global regulations and industry best practices

bluesign conducts on-site assessments to evaluate whether a facility meets the criteria. If any gaps are identified, companies receive a customized action plan and support to improve.

To maintain system partner status, ongoing compliance with the bluesign criteria is required—including regular re-assessments and continuous improvement efforts.

Sustainable Chemistry, as defined by bluesign, is a holistic approach to designing and using chemicals that reduce negative impacts and enhance positive outcomes for people, the planet, and the economy.

This includes:

• Eliminating hazardous substances from the start of production
• Improving resource efficiency throughout the product lifecycle
• Supporting circular economy principles
• Protecting human rights and worker safety
• Extending the durability and performance of consumer products

bluesign ensures that only safe, approved chemicals are used across the textile supply chain. Through input stream management and over 20 years of chemical assessment expertise, bluesign helps partners select better chemistry and reduce environmental impact before manufacturing even begins.

Input Stream Management is the foundation of the bluesign system. It focuses on controlling and verifying the safety of all inputs—such as chemicals, dyes, and raw materials—before they enter the production process.

Unlike other standards that test finished products, bluesign takes a proactive approach by evaluating and approving inputs at the very beginning of manufacturing. This helps:

• Eliminate hazardous substances before they can cause harm
• Reduce risks to workers, consumers, and the environment
• Ensure compliance with the bluesign criteria and global regulations
• Lower the need for costly end-product testing

By managing inputs rather than reacting to outputs, input stream management supports more sustainable, efficient, and transparent textile production from the start.

Our digital tools support partners with compliance, sourcing, benchmarking, and improvement strategies:

• bluesign CUBE: Central platform for tracking compliance, risk, and impact.
• bluesign FINDER: Database of safe, verified chemical products.
• bluesign GUIDE: Directory of bluesign Approved fabrics, trims, and materials.
• bluesign TOOL: Submission system and rating tool for chemical suppliers.

• BSSL (bluesign System Substances List): Limits for chemicals in finished goods (consumer safety focus).
• BSBL (bluesign System Black Limits): Limits for hazardous substances in chemical formulations (worker/environment focus).

Using these lists helps eliminate harmful chemicals before they enter your production.

The terms bluesign Approved and bluesign Product represent different levels of verification in the bluesign system.

bluesign Approved

This label applies to individual components—such as fabrics, trims, or chemical products—that meet the bluesign CRITERIA. These materials are produced by bluesign System Partner brands and have been verified for safety, environmental responsibility, and resource efficiency.

bluesign Product

This label applies to finished consumer goods (like clothing, footwear, jackets, or backpacks) that meet all of the following conditions:

• Every component is bluesign Approved
• All suppliers involved are bluesign System Partner companies
• The entire production process aligns with the bluesign CRITERIA

The bluesign Product label offers full supply chain traceability and is the highest level of assurance available in the bluesign system.

bluesign stands out from other textile certifications by taking a proactive, systems-based approach that focuses on input management, not just end-product testing.

Key differences:

1. Input stream management vs. finished product testing
While many certifications test random samples of finished goods, bluesign eliminates harmful substances at the start of production—reducing risks across the entire supply chain.

2. Comprehensive system partnership
bluesign works directly with brands, manufacturers, and chemical suppliers to implement improvements, conduct on-site assessments, and verify progress—not just issue labels.

3. Verified data and tools
bluesign partners get access to digital tools like the bluesign CUBE, FINDER, and GUIDE—allowing for data-driven decisions, ESG reporting, and real-time supply chain insight.

4. Focus on people, planet, and performance
The bluesign system goes beyond compliance. It supports safer working conditions, responsible resource use, and trusted transparency for consumers.

bluesign has partnered with many of the world’s leading apparel, outdoor, and footwear brands—both now and in the past—to support safer, more sustainable manufacturing.

Notable companies that have worked with bluesign include:

• Patagonia
• Adidas
• REI
• Columbia Sportswear
• Lululemon
• Osprey
• Arc’teryx
• Mammut
• Helly Hansen
• GORE-TEX
• The North Face
• Jack Wolfskin
• Ortovox
• Dope
• Montec

These brands have used bluesign approved materials and collaborated with certified suppliers to improve chemical safety, reduce environmental impact, and strengthen supply chain transparency.

Please note: partnerships may vary over time based on each company’s current certification or system partner status.