When you’re choosing gear for the slopes, comfort and performance come first, but there’s more to think about. The best ski wear brands today are also focusing on how their products are made, aiming to reduce harm to people and the planet. This is where bluesign® plays a significant role. But what is bluesign®, and why should it matter when you’re picking your next jacket or pair of snow trousers?
Bluesign® is a system that helps make outdoor gear safer and more responsible. It establishes strict guidelines for the manufacture of fabrics and materials. The aim is to reduce harm to the environment and protect both the individuals who make your gear and those who wear it. Ready to find out how your winter gear can be better for the planet? Let’s jump straight in!
Bluesign® approved vs bluesign® product
You might see two different labels: “bluesign® approved” and “bluesign® product.” Here’s the difference;
- Bluesign®-approved refers to individual components like zips, fabrics, or dyes. These parts meet strict sustainability criteria.
- A bluesign® product means the entire item, from fabrics to buttons, is fully certified.
Choosing a bluesign® product gives you complete peace of mind, knowing your gear meets the highest environmental and safety standards at every step.
How the bluesign® system works
Bluesign® looks at the entire process of making a product, from raw materials to the final piece. Instead of just checking the end result, it focuses on how everything is made along the way. This includes energy use, water waste, chemical safety, and worker protection. The goal is to make every step cleaner and safer. Companies that join the bluesign® system agree to adhere to these stringent standards, thereby helping to create better products for both people and the planet.
Becoming a system partner
To become a bluesign® partner, a company must undergo a thorough review of its production process. This includes how they handle chemicals, manage waste, and ensure the safety of their workers. If they meet the bluesign® standards, they become a system partner. This means they can improve over time with support from bluesign®, and their materials can carry the “bluesign® approved” label. It’s not a one-time check, it’s a long-term commitment to doing better.
Bluesign® principles
The bluesign® system is based on five key principles that guide the production of products. These principles help reduce harm to the environment, protect workers, and make sure the final gear is safe for you. Each part plays a role in making the whole process cleaner and more responsible. Here’s a quick look at what each one means.
Resource productivity
This means using less to make more. Bluesign® pushes companies to use fewer materials, less energy, and less water, without cutting quality. It’s all about doing things smarter, so nothing goes to waste.
Consumer safety
Your health matters. Bluesign® makes sure harmful substances are kept out of the gear you wear. Every fabric and chemical is thoroughly checked to ensure that nothing unsafe ends up in your jacket, gloves, or base layers.
Air emissions
Making clothes can release gases that pollute the air. Bluesign® works with companies to reduce these emissions, helping to keep the air cleaner for everyone, especially in factory areas.
Water emissions
Dyeing fabrics and washing materials require a significant amount of water. Bluesign® sets rules for how water is used and treated before it’s released back into the environment, thereby reducing pollution in rivers and lakes.
Occupational health and safety
Bluesign® protects not just the planet, but also the people who make your gear. The system demands safer workplaces, proper training, and fewer risks for workers handling chemicals or machinery.
The bluesign® certification process
Getting bluesign® certified isn’t quick or easy, and that’s a good thing. It’s a step-by-step process that evaluates a company’s operations and helps it improve. From the initial review to full approval, everything is thoroughly checked to ensure compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations. Here’s how the process works in three main stages.
Screening
This is the first step. Bluesign® examines a company’s entire setup, including its use of chemicals, energy, and water, as well as its treatment of workers. It’s a full health check of the production process.
Implementation
After screening, the company makes changes to meet bluesign® standards. This could involve switching materials, improving waste management systems, or implementing safety training. Bluesign® provides guidance and support to help them achieve their goals.
Certification
Once all the proper steps are in place, the company can earn certification. This means their processes now adhere to bluesign® standards. They can label their products with bluesign® approved tags, showing shoppers they’ve done the work.
What products can be bluesign® certified?
Bluesign® certification mainly applies to textiles, so you’ll find it on outdoor clothing, sportswear, and gear made from fabric. This includes jackets, trousers, gloves, base layers, backpacks, and even sleeping bags. It’s not just about the outer layer; linings, insulation, and even zips or trims can be part of the system.
If a product uses bluesign® approved materials and is made in a certified process, it can be labelled as a bluesign® product. So, next time you gear up for the slopes, look for that label. It means better choices all around.
Top brands that are bluesign® approved
- MONTEC™ (Montecwear)
- Dope Snow
- The North Face
- Patagonia
- adidas
- Burton
- Arc’teryx
- Salomon
- Helly Hansen
- Mammut
- Atomic
- Peak Performance
- Marmot
- Haglöfs
- VAUDE
- Norrona
- Dynafit
- Armada
- Berghaus
- Sweet Protection
- Bergans
- Houdini
- MEC
How to shop for bluesign® certified products
Shopping for bluesign® gear is easier than you might think. Many outdoor brands now use the system, so it’s just a matter of knowing what to look for. When browsing online or in-store, look for product details that mention bluesign®. Some will highlight approved materials, while others show full product certification. Either way, it’s a sign the brand has taken real steps toward safer and cleaner production.
Spotting the tags
When shopping, don’t just rely on logos. Take a closer look at the product info. Many brands include bluesign® details in the fabric breakdown or sustainability section. Online, check the product description or “materials” tab.
In shops, labels may include a brief statement about the use of certified fabrics or production methods. Bluesign® tags usually feature a blue and white label with the word “bluesign®” clearly printed. If you’re unsure, ask the staff or check the brand’s website.
Is bluesign® sustainable?
Yes, bluesign® is a strong example of sustainability in action. It focuses on reducing the environmental impact of textile production by eliminating harmful chemicals, reducing energy and water consumption, and improving factory working conditions. Rather than just highlighting eco-friendly end products, it improves the entire supply chain. While no system is perfect, bluesign® offers a precise and reliable way to support more responsible manufacturing in the outdoor industry.
Bluesign® vs GOTS vs OEKO-TEX®: What’s the Difference?
Sustainability certifications are everywhere, yet they’re not all created equal. Whether you’re shopping for eco-friendly ski jackets or want to understand what those labels really mean, here’s a breakdown of three of the most trusted certifications in the textile world: Bluesign®, GOTS and OEKO-TEX®.
Certification Comparison at a Glance
Which One Should You Look For?
- Bluesign®: Ideal for technical gear and anyone who cares about clean, efficient manufacturing with fewer harmful inputs.
- GOTS: Perfect if you want organic clothing certified by rigorous environmental and social standards.
- OEKO-TEX®: Great choice for peace of mind about product safety, especially for sensitive skin or children’s gear.
Many products hold more than one certification. The better you understand each label, the smarter your next gear purchase will be.
Conclusion
Bluesign® gives you a simple way to make smarter choices when buying outdoor gear. It focuses on safety, cleaner production, and long-term responsibility. If you care about how your clothes are made, both for the planet and the people behind them, the bluesign® label is worth looking for.