What does it mean to be bluesign® certified?

bluesign® was founded in 2000, and it will come as no surprise that ethical brand Patagonia was the first apparel brand to become bluesign® certified. The organization brings together stakeholders from the entire textile supply chain, and its objective is to reduce the impact of textile production on the planet and its people. As such, bluesign® experts monitor every single stage of the manufacturing process.

Brands hoping to obtain the bluesign® seal of approval have their factories regularly inspected and audited, and they have to adhere to strict sustainability and traceability guidelines devised by the certifying organization.

The manufacture of textiles requires the use of chemicals, which is why there is a strong focus on sustainable chemistry at bluesign®. The group works closely with brands, manufacturers as well as chemical suppliers to keep harmful chemicals out of the textile production process. They also call upon chemistry experts and other specialists to keep innovating and finding new ways to create great products while reducing the impact on the planet at the same time.

Efficiency is a key area of importance for bluesign® as well, and the group helps factories become more efficient by optimizing their water and energy consumption, as well as their use of chemicals. It also looks at minimizing air and water emissions, and as such, manufacturers are bound by strict pollution control standards. This is why the bluesign® mark is one of the best-known, and most trusted, in the outdoor apparel industry.

The bluesign® certification also covers the social aspect of the textile industry. It monitors the conditions of factory workers and ensures their exposure to harmful chemicals is reduced through efficient safety measures, including adequate ventilation.

To use the bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER logo and display their commitment to the planet, brands must adhere to strict sustainability standards. These cover water and energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste disposal. Companies must also commit to keeping harmful substances out of the production chain.

Outdoor brands working to reduce their environmental impact by becoming bluesign®-certified must disclose all the information that pertains to their sustainability performance, and ensure the traceability of all materials used in the supply chain, from raw materials to finished products. To support these brands through the certification process, bluesign® provides them with assessments, supply chain analysis, product benchmarking, gap analysis and roadmap coaching.

The outdoor industry is one with nature, so it’s not surprising that many of the most popular brands are bluesign® certified as part of their sustainability policy. After all, preserving the environment ensures outdoor enthusiasts can keep enjoying it for longer. 

When choosing an outdoor product, make sure you check if the textile components, including trims, labels, coatings and lining are bluesign® certified. This can be the case for the entire product, or certain materials or components. 

bluesign®-certified companies at SAIL include Outdoor Research, prAna, Helly Hansen, Mammut, Salomon, Marmot, Quartz Co., Columbia Sportswear, The North Face, and Patagonia, of course.

Footwear brands also use textile materials, and many outdoor footwear brands such as Adidas and Asics have partnered with bluesign®.Remember that new manufacturers are joining the bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER every day, so check our website regularly to find out which of your favourite brands are bluesign®-certified by checking out our eco-friendly page and selecting the bluesign® option in the filters. 

If you’d like to find out more about how to buy sustainable outdoor products, have a read of the articles on the Fairtrade and B Corp certification programs.