#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.

Hohenstein publishes 2025 Sustainability Report

The testing and research service provider Hohenstein has published its latest sustainability report, outlining key progress and strategic initiatives. The report focuses on ambitious CO₂ reduction targets, the company’s new mission statement and the systematic expansion of sustainable services for customers worldwide.

Global Standard gGmbH launches second public consultation for GRTS Draft 2 for the textile industry (1–30 April 2026)

Global Standard gGmbH is pleased to announce the release of Draft 2 of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) for its second public consultation. The consultation will be open from 1 April 2026 to 30 April 2026, inviting stakeholders across the textile and apparel value chain to provide input and contribute to the further development of this new Standard.

BTMA backs global growth while investing in future UK leaders

As one of a number of new initiatives launched this year, the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) is launching the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition. The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in July 2025, has implications that extend across sourcing, competitiveness and long-term trade dynamics, believes BTMA CEO Jason Kent.

China projected to increase cotton production, yields, and imports in 2026/27

World cotton production in the 2026/27 season is projected at 25.9 million tonnes, exceeding global consumption of 25.2 million tonnes, according to the May 2026 issue of Cotton This Month. That means both production and consumption are expected to remain close to current season levels, while global cotton trade is projected to decline by 2.7% to approximately 9.6-9.7 million tonnes.

ECCO introduces first shoe featuring innovative protein-based fibre

ECCO, in partnership with Spinnova, announces the launch of the limited edition ECCO BIOM® 720, a first-of-its-kind shoe utilising an often overlooked leather by-product, transformed into a protein-based fibre. The fibres are produced using patented technology that advances material innovation while reducing waste and supporting full resource use across the leather and textile industry.