#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.

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.

Closing the Footwear Loop reveals challenges and opportunities for circular footwear

The footwear industry faces one of the most complex circularity challenges in the fashion sector. A new Phase 1 report from the Fashion for Good initiative Closing the Footwear Loop, developed together with Circle Economy, provides new insights into the composition, condition and recycling potential of post-consumer footwear waste.

The updated poster on biodegradable Polymers in various environments has been released

As part of the PerPlacsBio project, nova-Institute has updated its popular poster on the biodegradability of polymers in different environments. The updated version reflects current standards, certifications and the latest scientific findings. The poster can be used to assess biodegradable alternatives for use in agriculture and forestry, and it is now available in German for the first time.

A new standard to combat plastic waste in forests

With DIN SPEC 35808 “Tree Shelter for Forestry Applications,” the testing and research service provider Hohenstein, in collaboration with Rottenburg University of Forestry, as well as forestry authorities and industry partners, has established a clear framework for bio-based and fully biodegradable tree shelters. The pre-standard defines requirements and practical testing methods designed to reduce plastic waste in forests and strengthen the long-term protection of soil and the environment.

Mario Jorge Machado re-elected President of EURATEX

The EURATEX General Assembly has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as President of EURATEX, renewing its confidence in his leadership at a crucial moment for the European textile and clothing industry. The sector is facing rising costs, global competitive pressure and an increasingly challenging transition towards sustainability and digitalisation.

ITM 2026 makes happy participants with its international and qualified visitor profile

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious meeting points of the textile machinery sector, attracted attention in its first three days, particularly with its diverse international visitor numbers. Industry professionals from all over the world had the opportunity to closely examine the latest technology machines and solutions displayed in operation. Thousands of visitors from approximately 100 countries, primarily Egypt, Pakistan, India, Uzbekistan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, met at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center for new investment and cooperation opportunities.

KARL MAYER presents a textile TEXTRONIC® innovation at ITM 2026

With highly efficient machines and continuous textile innovations, KARL MAYER underscores its role as a reliable partner for discerning top-tier customers. Just in time for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, the industry leader is introducing a true innovation: an eyelash lace with its characteristic fringed look – combined with a previously unattainable 4-way stretch. While the established fabric could until now only be produced as rigid version or with one-dimensional stretch, the new elasticity in both dimensions expands the possibilities for cross-band panel fabrics.