Bluesign Celebrates 25 Years as a Global Leader in Sustainable Textile Innovation
In 2025, bluesign® marks a major milestone—25 years at the forefront of sustainable innovation in the textile and fashion industry. Since its founding in 2000 in Switzerland, bluesign has become the global authority on chemical and environmental management, transforming how the industry approaches cleaner, safer, and more responsible production across global supply chains.
From the beginning, bluesign introduced a pioneering, science-driven input stream management system that removes hazardous substances right at the source of textile production. Today, with a global network of over 900 system partners, bluesign drives real, measurable reductions in environmental impact—setting the industry’s highest standards for responsible manufacturing. Its rigorous criteria for chemical safety, environmental performance, and resource efficiency serve as a one-stop solution for navigating ESG strategies and aligning with fast-evolving global regulations (including CSDDD, CSR, ESPR, and DPP).
Then & Now: A Lasting Mission
bluesign’s mission has always been clear: eliminate harmful chemicals at the origin of textile manufacturing to ensure safer working conditions, minimize environmental damage, and deliver safer consumer products. Over 25 years, that mission has remained steadfast, while evolving to tackle today’s urgent challenges like PFAS elimination, decarbonization, and circularity.
“bluesign was born out of a bold idea, that sustainability could be embedded into the DNA of product creation,” said Daniel Rüfenacht, CEO of bluesign technologies.
Proven Impact at Scale
The bluesign® System empowers its partners to achieve verified sustainability improvements:
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Safer chemistry and materials: More than 28,000 chemical products and over 70,000 textile materials now carry the bluesign APPROVED label, guaranteeing compliance with the strictest safety and environmental standards—including the exclusion of carcinogens, mutagens, reprotoxins (CMRs), and PFAS.
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Environmental performance: Since 2019, bluesign System Partner manufacturers have shown consistent reductions in their environmental footprints.
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Global network: With 900+ partners—ranging from chemical suppliers and textile mills to brands and manufacturers—bluesign’s reach spans the globe.
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Worker and consumer safety: The system ensures safe workplace conditions and non-toxic final products, grounded in transparency and independent verification.
Why It Matters: Verified Sustainability at Every Stage
bluesign’s strength lies in its holistic, independently verified system. From raw materials to the finished product, it tracks and measures impact, ensuring continuous improvement. This goes far beyond conventional certifications, offering a robust solution that builds trust with consumers, regulators, and stakeholders.
Looking Ahead: The Next 25 Years
As the textile and fashion industries navigate major changes—including circular economy demands, regulatory shifts under the EU Green Deal, and the push for digital product passports—bluesign remains committed to global impact and cutting-edge innovation.
“Twenty-five years later, we’re proud to be a beacon of trust, innovation, and responsibility, and to partner with industry leaders worldwide in building a more sustainable future together,” added Rüfenacht.
To honor this milestone, bluesign will host a global series of celebrations, expert panels, and activations to spotlight partner success stories and help prepare the industry for the next era of sustainable transformation.
