#Sustainability

2025-07-03

bluesign releases 2025 revisions of its Chemical Reference Lists

Effective July 1, 2025, bluesign has published updated versions of its three core chemical reference lists: the bluesign® SYSTEM SUBSTANCES LIST (BSSL v16.0), the bluesign® SYSTEM BLACK LIMITS (BSBL v7.0), and the bluesign® RESTRICTED SUBSTANCES LIST (RSL v16.0). These updates reflect bluesign’s ongoing commitment to safe chemical management, environmental protection, and regulatory alignment.

The revisions integrate the latest toxicological and ecological findings, updated global classifications, and state-of-the-art analytical methods. Key changes include:

+ Addition of new SVHCs (Substances of Very High Concern)

+ Inclusion of substances newly classified under the EU CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and California Proposition 65

+ Alignment with global RSL standards (AFIRM, AAFA)

+ Expanded BSBL thresholds for heavy metals to support ZDHC MRSL compliance

+ Introduction of enhanced testing protocols, especially for PFAS and organotin compounds

Updates to existing substance groups including nonylphenol ethoxylates, brominated diphenyl ethers, polybrominated biphenyls, and polychlorinated naphthalenes

The BSSL defines consumer safety limits for chemical substances in textile and leather articles. The BSBL sets hazard-based thresholds for finished chemical formulations, while the RSL provides a practical, test-oriented extract of the BSSL focused on the most critical regulated substances.

What are the bluesign Chemical Lists?

+ BSSL sets consumer safety limits for chemical substances in textile and leather articles.

+ BSBL defines hazard-based threshold limits for substances in finished chemical products (e.g., dyes, auxiliaries).

+ RSL is a practical extract of the BSSL, containing consumer safety limits and recommended testing methods for the most important and legally restricted substances in textile and leather articles as well as accessories

All updated lists are available for download at www.bluesign.com.

https://www.bluesign.com/en/downloads/

Storm Creek achieves bluesign® PRODUCT status

Storm Creek (ASI#/PPAI#) is proud to announce a meaningful sustainability milestone: the company has achieved bluesign® PRODUCT status: becoming the first US-based supplier in the promotional products industry to earn this globally respected certification. While this marks an industry first, for Storm Creek, it represents something far more important: a continuation of doing what they believe is right.

bluesign to showcase sustainable textile solutions at Intertextile Shenzhen and Shanghai 2025

The global authority on sustainable textile production and chemical management, bluesign is pleased to announce its participation as an exhibitor at both Intertextile Shenzhen (June 11 - 13, 2025) and Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics - Autumn Edition (September 2 - 4, 2025), marking the company's inaugural collaboration with these leading global textile trade fairs.

HKRITA signs MoU with Jeanologia and Looptworks to establish the Green Machine Circular Textile Ecosystem

The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) yesterday officially signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two key global partners, Jeanologia and Looptworks, to establish the Green Machine Circular Textile Ecosystem – a first-of-its-kind collaboration to accelerate the large-scale recycling of blended textiles.

Textile Exchange unveils agenda for 2026 conference in Vancouver

Textile Exchange has released the agenda for its 2026 Conference, which will take place from October 12–16 in Vancouver, Canada. Under the theme “The Implementation Era,” the event will focus on translating sustainability commitments into practical action and scaling solutions across businesses, supply systems, and landscapes.

Textile PRO Forum calls for greater harmonisation of textile EPR systems across Europe

The Textile PRO Forum has published a new analysis highlighting the need for greater harmonisation of textile Extended Producer Responsibility systems across Europe. The document, Toward harmonised Textile EPR Systems in Europe: analysis and recommendations, presents the results of work carried out by Workstream 1 of the Textile PRO Forum, led by Dr. Eng. Viola Corbellini, Strategic Development and Innovation Expert at Erion Textiles, and Eng. Luca Campadello, General Director at Erion Textiles. The workstream focused on reducing administrative burden for textile producers by identifying areas where procedures could be better aligned across countries.

Results of the 38th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey

The global textile industry appears to be turning a corner, but this is more likely a fragile and possibly temporary improvement than the start of a durable recovery. According to the 38th ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey, conducted worldwide during the second half of May 2026, business sentiment, order intake, order backlogs and capacity utilization all improved versus March — yet every indicator remains weak by historical standards, and rising costs cast doubt on how long the upturn can last.

Cotton made in Africa partners receive top marks in independent verifications

Cotton made in Africa® (CmiA) and CmiA Organic are two internationally recognised standards that aim to promote sustainable development in the African cotton sector south of the Sahara. To ensure the standards’ credibility among brands, retailers, and consumers, independent verifiers evaluate compliance on the ground. The verification results for 2025, now published in the Aggregated Verification & Implementation Report, were very strong: The verifiers awarded consistently very good remarks regarding management, people, prosperity, and the environment.

Bangladesh: Italian textile machinery mission stops in Dhaka and Chittagong

Technological upgrading and the transition toward higher value-added production are driving the new Italian industrial mission to Bangladesh. This year, the mission will split between the country’s two main manufacturing hubs, where Italian manufacturers will meet the leaders of the local textile supply chain in two strategic stages: July 7th in Dhaka and July 9th in Chittagong.

Yarn Expo Shenzhen 2026 closes doors, advancing sustainable and innovative sourcing in South China

Yarn Expo Shenzhen 2026 served as a strategically positioned mid-year sourcing platform for the Greater Bay Area, highlighting Shenzhen’s role in connecting regional demand, supply and innovation exchange across the textile value chain. During the three-day fair, over 20,000 visits were drawn from 74 countries and regions[1], as exhibitors and buyers engaged with new developments in greener, performance-led, and value-added yarn and fibre solutions. Held in conjunction with Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics and PH Value, the fair underscored the benefits of closer synergy and new materials across yarn, fabric and apparel platforms for the South China market.