TEXTILES.ORG
The adidas Group recently announced a strategic partnership with bluesign® technologies ag to further drive sustainable solutions in the Group’s global supply chain. Citing its leadership in chemical management, Frank Henke, adidas Group vice president, Global Social & Environmental Affairs, says, “The partnership with bluesign technologies will bring our program to the next level.”
The bluesign® system, focused on screening and managing chemical input at supplier level, brings multiple benefits such as more responsible use of resources, effective management of restricted substances, and elimination of hazardous chemicals in the supply chain.
With this partnership, adidas Group suppliers across the globe will be able to access the
bluefinder, a tool with information on sustainable textile chemistry for processes such as pretreatment, dyeing and finishing, resulting in the manufacturing of materials which are more sustainable. All materials produced will have to comply with rigorous tests to verify compliance with bluesign criteria.
Additionally, chemical management on site will continue to be monitored through the adidas Group environmental audits. In 2013, the company conducted 149 environmental audits at its suppliers’ factories.
The German sporting goods giant has already committed to phase out the use of long-chain PFCs by January 1, 2015. As a further step, the company commits to being 90 percent PFC-free in its products as of June 15, 2014, and 99 percent PFC-free by December 31, 2017.
In 1998, the company adopted a comprehensive and detailed Restricted Substances
Policy for product materials, prohibiting the use of chemicals considered harmful or toxic. Since then, major initiatives have been implimented to enhance the adidas Group chemical management program.
Founded in 2000, Swiss-based bluesign® technologies ag has been adopted by textile manufacturers worldwide.