Difference between revisions of "Bluesign"
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Bluesign ® is an independent [[environmental standard]] that was created due to the demand for textile products that were more environmentally friendly, did not constitute health risks and preserved natural resources as much as possible was rising. It was developed on the basis that the legislation was getting tougher and that the market was demanding a standard that could live up to these new requirements without compromising on features such as quality or design. The goal is to provide a tool for the entire textile production chain from raw materials such as yarns, dyes and additives to manufacturers, distributors and consumers so that a successful and secure future for textiles can be achieved. | Bluesign ® is an independent [[environmental standard]] that was created due to the demand for textile products that were more environmentally friendly, did not constitute health risks and preserved natural resources as much as possible was rising. It was developed on the basis that the legislation was getting tougher and that the market was demanding a standard that could live up to these new requirements without compromising on features such as quality or design. The goal is to provide a tool for the entire textile production chain from raw materials such as yarns, dyes and additives to manufacturers, distributors and consumers so that a successful and secure future for textiles can be achieved. | ||
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• Resource Productivity | • Resource Productivity | ||
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• Safety and protection | • Safety and protection | ||
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• Emissions to air | • Emissions to air | ||
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• Emissions to water | • Emissions to water | ||
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• Work environment | • Work environment | ||
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When a company with the help of Blue Tool has established a compliance with Bluesign ® standards, the Blue Sign Technologies AG provides a final review and if successful the company is approved. | When a company with the help of Blue Tool has established a compliance with Bluesign ® standards, the Blue Sign Technologies AG provides a final review and if successful the company is approved. | ||
| − | Bluesign ® standard is widely recognized by leading chemical companies, textile manufacturers and well known retailers and brands. Patagonia is one of the companies working to meet these standards based on what they call the Footprint Chronicles. [[Helly Hansen]] and [[REI]] (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) are two other members. | + | Bluesign ® standard is widely recognized by leading chemical companies, textile manufacturers and well known retailers and brands. [[Patagonia]] is one of the companies working to meet these standards based on what they call the Footprint Chronicles. [[Helly Hansen]] and [[REI]] (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) are two other members. |
==Blue Finder== | ==Blue Finder== | ||
Latest revision as of 05:17, 12 September 2012
English (en) svenska (sv)
Bluesign ® is an independent environmental standard that was created due to the demand for textile products that were more environmentally friendly, did not constitute health risks and preserved natural resources as much as possible was rising. It was developed on the basis that the legislation was getting tougher and that the market was demanding a standard that could live up to these new requirements without compromising on features such as quality or design. The goal is to provide a tool for the entire textile production chain from raw materials such as yarns, dyes and additives to manufacturers, distributors and consumers so that a successful and secure future for textiles can be achieved.
History
Through a project that began in 1997 Bluesign ® standard grew and leaped forward. In 2000 the company Blue Sign Technologies AG was founded and based in Switzerland. The company is organized as a global network with an advisory board whose members are representatives from the scientific and political groups, trade and industry and from consumer and environmental organizations.
About Bluesign
Bluesign ® standard is not about to test finished products, it is about that the criteria in the production are met already before the garments are already produced. Bluesign ® standard would initially be able to ensure the highest resource productivity and focus on environmental, health and safety. Instead of working with prohibitions and restrictions the Bluesign ® standard provides solutions for EHS issues (Environment, Health and Safety) at all levels, from raw materials and chemical components suppliers, manufacturers and retailers. This is to find effective and economical solutions for the production process.
To establish that a chemical component satisfies Bluesign ® standard was developed a s a process to classify them based on their ecological and toxicological effects. Basically, the Bluesign ®-standard divide raw materials, chemical components and production processes into two categories: grey and blue. The classification is based on five assessment levels:
• Resource Productivity
• Safety and protection
• Emissions to air
• Emissions to water
• Work environment
Raw materials and chemical components that contain a substance that are generally prohibited, or does not live up to the Blue Sign ® standard is eliminated from the production process. Raw materials and chemical components that lead to a textile product that meets Bluesign ® standard in all aspects are classified as blue and should always be the first choice where there are choices. Other substances are classified as grey and can only be used under the terms of BAT (Best Available Technology). This means that there are limitations to how the substance may be used in production and if there is an equivalent substance that does not impair function, quality or design and that lives up to Bluesign ® standard, this must be used instead. However If grey substances are used the safety of consumers must always be guaranteed. The principle of "best available technology" (BAT) is an important criterion for the Bluesign ® standard. In order to easily and reliably determine the degree to which a chemical substance meets the Bluesign ® Standard a tool, called Blue Tool, is available. It contains all the necessary information for the assessment of a chemical component and process. The Bluesign ® approved (blue) substances are then divided into three classes: A, B and C.
• Class A, close to skin: Includes articles that as direct contact with the skin, ie with much of its area close to the skin such as underwear, bed linen etc.
• Class B, skin contact: Includes items with intermittent skin contact, such as shirts, pants, home textiles, automotive textiles
• Class C, technical textiles: Includes textiles not in direct contact with the skin, such as military textiles, fabrics for tents, awnings, etc.
When a company with the help of Blue Tool has established a compliance with Bluesign ® standards, the Blue Sign Technologies AG provides a final review and if successful the company is approved.
Bluesign ® standard is widely recognized by leading chemical companies, textile manufacturers and well known retailers and brands. Patagonia is one of the companies working to meet these standards based on what they call the Footprint Chronicles. Helly Hansen and REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) are two other members.
Blue Finder
Bluesign ® also has something called the Blue Finder which is a growing database created specifically for the textile manufacturer where you can find innovative and efficient textile chemicals that are approved by Bluesign ®. These lists purpose is not only to live up to Bluesign ® standard, but it also accounts for lists of prohibited substances (RSL-restricted substance lists).
