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THE BLUESIGN® STANDARD : A UNIQUE CONCEPT FOR SUCCESS
Where’s the actual problem?
Consumers and NGOs are calling for environmentally friendly production methods, non-hazardous products and more in-depth knowledge about the manufacturing processes. Recurring ecological scandals and product recalls have shaken the consumer’s trust in the textile industry and prove existing solutions to be nominally effective. However, proactively managing all environmental aspects during production will be crucial for future success.
Proactive new approach: Intelligent “Input Stream Management”
The Bluesign® Standard is built around five principles:
- Resource productivity
- Consumer safety
- Air emission
- Water emission
- Occupational health and safety.
It is designed to provide solutions concerning Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) on all levels. The strength in this approach is that it links together suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and brands to cumulatively reduce the environmental footprint and to foster a healthy, responsible textile industry.
The Bluesign® Standard tackles the problem at its root. Instead of focusing on finished product testing, all input streams – from raw materials, to chemical components, to water and energy resources – are analyzed with a sophisticated Input Stream Management process. Prior to production, every component is assessed and receives a rating based on its ecotoxicological impact, eliminating potentially harmful substances before production even begins.
A key aspect of the Bluesign® Standard is never to compromise on product functionality, quality or design. Consequently, due to performance requirements, in some instances it is inevitable that specific intelligent chemistry must be used. In those cases, it is fundamental to properly manage the manufacturing process, which also includes the use of smart process controls and end-of-pipe solutions to protect the people in the supply chain.
Figure 1: The Five Pillars of the Bluesign® Standard
Bluefinder™ - A Valuable Chemical Components Database
Bluefinder™, developed by Bluesign® technologies, is a powerful tool for textile manufacturers which greatly simplifies the environment, health and safety aspects of chemical components management.
Select Compliant Components
Bluefinder™ contains non-hazardous Bluesign®-approved components in a database searchable by every common textile application.
Meet Brand Requirements
Instead of focusing only on restricting the use of certain substances, the Bluefinder™ points manufacturers towards components that comply with various brand and retailer requirements.
Reduced Testing
The pre-evaluated Bluesign®-approved components help reduce the need for testing of the final product which leads to reduced analysis costs.
Figure 2: The Advantages of Adopting Bluesign® Standard
Benefits to the Textile Manufacturer
Compliance with EHS Criteria – Worldwide
The independent Bluesign® Standard guarantees that only Bluesign®-approved components and audited processes, that are harmless for people and the environment, are used throughout the entire textile manufacturing chain. Complying with its strict international requirements means not only meeting the demand for sustainable products, but also fulfilling various Restricted Substance Lists (RSLs).
Figure 3: EHS Aspects in Textile Production
Maximum Cost Efficiency
Managing the input streams and optimizing the EHS situation during production inevitably leads to higher resource efficiency. Saving resources means saving costs which results in maximum cost efficiency.
Lasting Image Boost
Compliance with high-level EHS criteria like those of the Bluesign® Standard means a long-lasting investment in consumer trust and hence in a positive image.
How to Participate
The best way is to begin by conducting a Bluesign® screening – Complete evaluation for long-term security
It is one thing to choose environmentally preferred chemical components, however in order for manufacturers to achieve truly eco-friendly production, and to meet the Bluesign® Standard, an on-site Bluesign® screening, evaluating the local environmental, resource and workplace environment according to the five principles of the Bluesign® Standard is required.
Essentially the input streams and procedures used as well as the installed end-of-pipe situation undergo careful evaluation. A Bluesign® screening also reveals resource and cost saving potential. Producing according to the highest environmental standards leads to a more efficient resource usage which also translates into cost savings. Hence, true eco-friendly production not only protects the consumer and the environment, it also allows for the reduction of resource usage and production costs.
An alternate preliminary approach is to subscribe to the Bluefinder™ – Quick access, quick results
The Bluefinder™ – specifically designed for textile manufacturers – is a unique online database developed by Bluesign® Technologies which contains Bluesign®-approved components (auxiliaries, dyestuffs, finishing agents, coatings, etc.).
“Bluesign® approved” components meet the strict worldwide requirements of the Bluesign® Standard regarding EHS aspects and comply with various relevant RSLs. The often complex scientific background is reduced to an understandable level by means of a rating based on ecotoxicological data. The Bluefinder™ contains all the relevant information for the manufacturer to consciously select the most appropriate chemical components for any process and product, without compromising functionality, quality or design. However, the Bluefinder™ provides no information regarding resource efficiency. Optimization of the resource situation and reducing related costs is only possible with Bluesign® screening.
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