From high-end garments to fast fashion, most of the clothing you wear is produced under less than stellar conditions. One of the dirtiest parts of fabric production takes place in what's known as the "Dyeing and Finishing Process, " like dying yarns and treating them Polygiene® Odor Control or a water resistant finish. 85% of all water, 80% of all energy, and 65% of all chemicals used to produce a garment are used in the dyeing and finishing process alone. With the majority of resources used during this stage of production, the bluesignⓇ system focuses its auditing efforts on the dyeing and finishing stages of production. Since we are continually implementing new ways to lessen our footprint, we are proud to use fabrics that have been certified as safer for the environment by the bluesignⓇ certification system. When it comes to auditing sustainability standards, bluesignⓇ relies on a 5 principle system: Resource Productivity Resource productivity refers to a manufacturer's ability to produce textiles of maximum quality by minimizing consumption of resources. For example, in the case of dyeing and finishing, bluesignⓇ certification ensures that a manufacturer has used the least amount of water as possible during production. Water Emission bluesignⓇ certified facilities are required to have a well-functioning wastewater treatment facility. Much of the water used in the dyeing and finishing process ends up contaminated with chemicals. In the past, manufacturers often disposed of waste water by dumping it into nearby watersheds. bluesignⓇ strictly monitors handling of wastewater and works with manufacturers to optimize wastewater treatment technology. Air Emission In order to be bluesignⓇ certified, a manufacturing facility must reduce greenhouse gases and make an active contribution to climate protection. Each and every process of textile production produces air emissions. bluesignⓇ works to implement best practices in material usage and requires that any CO2 generated via dyeing and finishing must be cleaned and recycled adequately. Occupational Health and Safety The health and safety of employees who manufacture textiles is a large part of bluesign’sⓇ auditing process. In order for a manufacturing facility to be bluesignⓇ certified, they must adhere to a strict list of guidelines. Employees must complete a chemical training program and have complete protection from dust and noise. bluesignⓇ helps factories improve working conditions by decreasing exposure to chemicals during the dyeing and finishing stages of manufacturing. Consumer Safety Today's consumers want high quality goods that were produced under fair conditions. So "consumer safety" has to include both: the promise for high-quality textile products without health risks as well as the compliance that sustainability is implemented in each step of the production process. bluesignⓇ ensures that manufacturing facilities are operating in the most conscious manner possible to provide consumers ecologically high-quality textiles as well as a clear conscience. As a result, proactive manufacturers are able to meet the requirements of their customers for sustainable and reliable products – even before legal obligations will force them to act. Aside from the 5 principles, bluesignⓇ also requires a list of general criteria to be met. This ensures that partner companies stay competitive by using responsible and sustainable solutions. In our effort to provide the most sustainable clothing possible, we have committed to using bluesignⓇ certified materials as much as possible and we're actively pursuing more bluesignⓇ certified materials across all styles.