bluesign

A ban on substances toxic to people and the environment, resource optimisation, waste management : the bluesign label takes a holistic approach to guarantee transparency and traceability.

Environmental requirements

• Saving resources during production and manufacturing: the label requires an accurate assessment of resource consumption as well as optimal use of those resources.

• Controlled water consumption: the aim is to limit water pollution as much as possible. To do so, the label checks that water use has been optimised during production and that wastewater treatment is in place so that no toxic components end up in rivers, lakes and seas.

• CO2 emissions: these must be controlled throughout the production chain to ensure air quality. The components used must generate only low emissions and the energy used must, once again, be optimised to avoid waste.

• The use of chemicals: the label identifies chemicals and where they come from, bans those harmful to health (classified as toxic and/or carcinogenic) and to the environment, and offers producers alternatives.
• Waste treatment

The bluesign label connects chemical suppliers, producers and brands in order to detect failings at local level.

Social requirements

In addition to the environmental requirements, the bluesign label requires the health and safety of textile workers to be protected.

The label is based on the conventions of the ILO (the International Labour Organization):

• Freely chosen employment
• Freedom of association and trade union rights
• A ban on child labour
• Reasonable working hours
• A ban on all forms of discrimination and intimidation
• Equality for women in the labour market, protection during pregnancy and the right to maternity leave.

The social responsibility programme is assessed by independent organisations such as the Fair Wear Foundation, SA8000 Social Accountability International (SAI), Fairtrade Textile Production, the Fair Labour Association (FLA) and the World Fair Trade Organization.

Health requirements

At every stage of production, the label checks that consumers' health is properly protected. That is why the label pays particular attention to the nature of the chemical substances introduced during the production process.

About bluesign Technologies AG

The bluesign label was created by the Swiss company Bluesign Technologies AG. This multi-stakeholder organisation works closely with companies and brands, which are invited to become members of the organisation.

The label aims to set its standards collectively, develop them, monitor companies' progress and check that their actions comply with the specifications.

The bluesign label also offers consulting services to help companies adopt a sustainable approach over the long term. What's more, the changes in strategy should benefit these companies: lower production costs, greater competitiveness and innovation, etc.

Besides companies, the label may also work with public authorities, associations, NGOs or consumer representatives.

Scope of the label

The label steps in at the different stages of production rather than inspecting the finished product. The inspection is broader and covers the choice of raw materials (natural and synthetic fibres) as well as textile manufacturing.

Before production even starts, the label checks that all toxic substances have been eliminated. However, the label does not inspect production conditions.

During textile manufacturing, particular attention is paid to the dyeing and finishing stages.

How the label works

There are two versions of the bluesign label:

• The bluesign® APPROVED label: to obtain this label, at least one component of a textile product or one chemical substance must meet the label's criteria. In this case, producers must state which products or substances the certification covers.

• The bluesign® PRODUCT label: this version goes much further. The product as a whole must contain at least 90% bluesign® APPROVED textiles and 30% bluesign® APPROVED accessories. The producer must also be a member of the bluesign Technologies AG organisation. This label ensures traceability for brands, partners and consumers. In other words, this label means that almost all of the production is responsibly managed and limits environmental damage. The label's goal is eventually to reach 100% bluesign® APPROVED components.

Certification body

Certification is carried out by the SGS group. This organisation handles inspections, audits and certifications. The label is granted for a limited period, after which it must be renewed through new audits.