#Textile chemistry

2026-08-13

bluesign updates chemical reference lists with stronger PFAS restrictions

bluesign has published the 2026 editions of its three core chemical reference lists, introducing updated substance limits and testing requirements in line with the latest scientific findings and regulatory developments.

The revised bluesign System Black Limits (BSBL) Version 8.0, bluesign System Substances List (BSSL) Version 17.0, and bluesign Restricted Substances List (RSL) Version 17.0 incorporate new toxicological and ecological data, updated analytical methods and recommendations from the bluesign Chemical Expert Group.

The most significant changes concern per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). According to bluesign, the updated lists expand the PFAS phase-out chapter, revise recommended testing methods and introduce a new section distinguishing fluorinated non-PFAS dyestuffs from PFAS compounds. The PFAS limits have also been aligned with the French PFAS regulation, Sweden's proposed national restrictions and the proposed EU-wide PFAS restriction.

Additional updates include new restrictions for flame retardants such as Dechlorane Plus, new colorant restrictions including Basic Green 4 (Malachite Green), and revised limits for selected amines, arylamines, isocyanates, biocides and metals including mercury, nickel, antimony and chromium.

For the first time, the lists also include a dedicated chapter covering substance limits for jewellery, aligned with the AFIRM RSL, as well as newly identified Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) and updated analytical testing recommendations.

The three reference lists serve different purposes within the textile supply chain. The BSBL defines threshold limits for substances in chemical formulations such as dyes and auxiliaries, the BSSL specifies substance limits for finished textile products, and the RSL serves as the consumer safety reference used by brands and retailers for purchasing specifications and product testing.

The revised BSBL requirements will become effective by July 1, 2027, while the updated BSSL and RSL requirements for finished products are scheduled to take effect by July 1, 2028.

Download the 2026 BSSL, BSBL, RSL, and accompanying change logs here:

www.bluesign.com/bluesign-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.

ZymoChem secures $4 million in renewed federal funding to advance U.S. biomanufacturing of critical materials and their supply chains

ZymoChem, the specialty chemicals company dedicated to bringing decarbonization, sustainability, and supply chain resiliency to the chemical industry through innovative biological manufacturing, today announced the resumption and expansion of its federal research portfolio. The company has been notified that previously paused work under a $5 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program is officially back on, to be joined by continuing collaborations with three of the nation's premier national laboratories.

Fashion for Good launches DW(O)R-X to navigate the emerging landscape of PFAS-free finishes

Fashion for Good announced the launch of Project DW(O)R-X, a collaborative initiative designed to benchmark PFAS alternative durable water- and oil-repellent (DW(O)R) chemistries. Responding to growing market demand for alternatives to PFAS‑based finishes, the project aims to generate reliable, comparable data that can support informed sourcing decisions and the assessment of emerging chemistries.

Indovinya advances sustainable solutions with agreement for the supply of renewable Oxygen from Air Liquide

Indovinya, the specialty chemicals and surfactants division of Indorama Ventures, has entered into an agreement with Air Liquide — a world leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare — for the supply of renewable oxygen. The agreement represents a strategic advancement in Indovinya’s commitment to sustainability, as it increases the share of renewable raw materials in the production of ethylene oxide, one of its key products.

DyStar releases FY2025 sustainability report, marking a new milestone towards its 2030 targets

DyStar, a leading specialty chemicals company with more than a century of expertise in product development and innovation, today announced the release of its FY2025 Sustainability Report, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey and reinforcing its commitment to long-term value creation.

RE&UP’s Next-Gen Cotton fibers power Zalando private label t-shirt collection crafted from innovative recycled textiles

RE&UP Recycling Technologies’ Next-Gen Cotton powers a new collection from Zalando’s private labels, marking a step forward in bringing textile-to-textile recycled fibers into commercial fashion production. Launching on Zalando in August, the collection comprises five t-shirts across YOURTURN by Zalando and Even&Odd by Zalando, made from a circular-knit fabric blending 80% organic cotton with 20% RE&UP Next-Gen Cotton — textile-to-textile recycled fiber produced from textile waste. This is the first time RE&UP's recycled fibers feature in Zalando's private label assortment.

Heimtextil Trends 27/28: ‘Home-Maxxing’ between performance and respite

Sleep better, recover faster, live more efficiently: the desire for optimisation has long since reached our homes. Under the title ‘Home-Maxxing – The Performance of Everyday Living’, Heimtextil Trends 27/28 show how our relationship with efficiency-driven thinking and technology is influencing the design of spaces and textiles. The more sleep, wellness, routines, materials and spaces are optimised, the stronger the desire for a home that does not demand even more of us.

Driving circularity with Uster Recycled Fiber Matrix

The textile industry’s commitment to circularity continues to accelerate, and mechanical recycling is viewed as a targeted approach to cutting textile waste and its environmental impact. At the forefront of this drive, Uster has developed the Recycled Fiber Matrix, a two-dimensional assessment of mechanically recycled fibers to guide optimum processing and end-uses.

Mimaki advances DTF productivity and stability with new TxF330-800

Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters, announces the TxF330-800, its new direct-to-film (DTF) printer. Designed to support stable, high-quality garment decoration in demanding print environments, the system combines automated maintenance, expanded white ink capacity and advanced production capabilities to streamline workflow.