bluesign®criteria forproduction sites · a basic material from whichfinished products or...

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bluesign® criteria for production sitesVersion 2.0 | April 01, 2014

bluesign® criteria for production sites | v2..0 | April 01, 2014© bluesign technologies ag | www.bluesign.com 2 | 30

Content

1 Scope 5

1.1 General 51.2 Application 5

2 Definitions 5

2.1 Production site 52.2 Company 52.3 bluesign® system partner (system partner) 52.4 Manufacturer 62.5 Chemical supplier 62.6 VOC 62.7 TOC (off-gas) 62.8 Raw material 62.9 Intermediate product 62.10 On-site inspection 62.11 Screening 62.12 Audit 62.13 PSF 62.14 MSDS 62.15 TDS 6

3 Guiding principles 7

4 Legal compliance 8

5 Social responsibility 8

5.1 UN Global Compact 8

6 Management System 9

6.1 Housekeeping 106.1.1 Maintenance 10

7 Input stream management 11

7.1 Chemical supplier 117.2 Manufacturer 11

7.2.1 Chemicals management 117.2.2 Management of other raw materials and intermediates 11

8 Product Stewardship for the finished product 13

8.1 Chemical supplier 138.2 Manufacturer 13

9 Resource productivity 14

9.1 Chemicals and other raw materials 149.2 Freshwater 149.3 Energy 14


10 Emissions 15

10.1 Wastewater 1510.1.1 General 1510.1.2 Direct discharge 1610.1.3 Indirect discharge 1610.1.4 Domestic sewage management 16

10.2 Air 1610.2.1 General 1610.2.2 VOC-relevant production sites 1610.2.3 Emissions from power generation / boiler house 1810.2.4 Odor 18

10.3 Noise 1810.4 Waste 1810.5 Soil 19

11 Occupational health and safety 20

11.1 Risk assessment 2011.2 General 2011.3 Mechanical and electrical hazards 2011.4 Chemical hazards 2011.5 Noise 21

12 Handling and storage of hazardous materials 21

12.1 Storage 2112.2 Handling 21

13 Emergency preparedness 22

13.1 General rules 2213.2 Preparedness for major accident hazards 22

14 Verification of compliance 23

15 Validity 23

16 Annex documents 23

17 Other applicable documents 23

Supplement: Chemicals Management for Manufacturer 24

1 Scope 24

2 General principles 24

2.1 Procedure for replacement of non-system partner chemical products 252.2 Handling of bluesign® system partner chemical products 262.3 Handling of non-system partner chemical products 26

2.3.1 Handling within bluesign® screening 262.3.2 Handling during implementation 262.3.3 Tolerating non-system partner chemical products 262.3.4 Evaluation process and rating 27

2.4 Basic chemicals 28


2.5 Product ranges which are out of scope of certification 282.6 Extended phase-out period 28

3 Homologation status of chemical products 29


1 Scope1.1 GeneralThis document sets the general bluesign® criteria for production sites. Furthermore, there exists a set of supplementary criteriadirected explicitly towards specific production site types and containing industry-specific requirements. It includes:

Criteria for chemical supplier Criteria for textile manufacturer Criteria for garment manufacturer / assembler Criteria for surface treatment of metals Criteria for down and feathers processing Criteria for leather processing

These industry-specific criteria will be amended as required. If no relevant supplementary document exists only the general criteriafor production sites are applicable.

This document complements the bluesign® system partner agreement.

1.2 ApplicationThis document is applicable to production sites within the scope of the bluesign® system at all levels of the supply chain.Where a section of this document is not relevant it should be omitted. The annex documents for specific production types (listed insection 1.1) are essential to the application of this document and they should, where applicable, always go together. All requirementsrelevant for the specific branches and listed in the annex documents complement and/or supersede the requirements defined in thisdocument.

Even if a company requests to certify only parts of the product portfolio manufactured at the production site, the complete site has tocomply with the criteria at hand. In case of companies with multiple production sites, only products that had originated from anaudited site can be subject to certification.

If a production site, due to its production routine, can be allocated to two or more branches and thus two or more annex documentscan be valid, it is on discretion of bluesign technologies to allocate the site to one of the branches. In some cases, more than oneannex document is to be applicable under the condition that the more stringent requirements shall be followed each time.

2 DefinitionsA selection of most relevant wording is listed below. For a comprehensive list of terms and abbreviations please refer to thedocument bluesign® glossary (effective version).

2.1 Production siteA stationary technical unit that is under control of one legally independent corporation including any directly associated activitiesthat have a technical connection with the activities carried out at the site and that could have an effect on emissions.

2.2 CompanyA voluntary association formed and organized to carry on a business.

2.3 bluesign® system partner (system partner)A company committed to the bluesign® system and holding a valid bluesign® system partner agreement.


2.4 ManufacturerA company that produces textile articles (all processing levels), leather and accessories.

2.5 Chemical supplierA company that places under own trade name chemical products such as auxiliaries, dyestuffs and other chemical products forproduction of textiles, leather and accessories on the market. A chemical supplier may be a manufacturer, a formulator or a rebranderof chemical products. A producer of chemical products who directly uses the produced chemicals for down-stream processing ofarticles will also fall under the criteria for chemical supplier.

2.6 VOCVolatile Organic Compound. Any organic compound having at 293,15 K a vapor pressure of 0,01 kPa or more, or having acorresponding volatility under the particular conditions of use.

2.7 TOC (off-gas)Total organic carbon (off-gas). A sum parameter for organic load measured by FID (flame ionization detector).

2.8 Raw materialA basic material from which finished products or intermediate products are manufactured or made. It includes fibers, raw fabrics andchemicals.

2.9 Intermediate productAny material used to make a final product. It is not used by a consumer (e.g. fabric made by a finishing company and delivered to acut and sew factory for further processing).

2.10 On-site inspectionAn inspection at the production site focusing on environmental and OH&S aspects, during which the compliance with the bluesign®criteria is checked and measures for continuous improvement are evaluated.

2.11 ScreeningA procedure including an on-site inspection and creation of a homologation list. It consists of the detailed evaluation of theenvironmental, resource and occupational health situation of manufacturing sites and of the chemical products in use.

2.12 AuditA procedure carried out mostly physically (see on-site inspection) following the bluesign® criteria.

2.13 PSFProduct Screening Form. A questionnaire for collecting product’s chemical, toxicological and environmental data as well asconfirmation for the BSSL compliance of chemical products. It serves as basis for bluesign® homologation

2.14 MSDSMaterial Safety Data sheet. A tool for ensuring that suppliers communicate enough information along the supply chain to allow safeuse of their substances and mixtures. It includes information about the properties of a substance (or mixture), its hazards andinstructions for handling, transport and disposal and also first aid, fire-fighting and exposure control measures.

2.15 TDSTechnical Data Sheet. A document summarizing the performance and other technical characteristics of a product or a material. Itincludes information on proper application and handling.


3 Guiding principlesThe blusign® system is built around five fundamental principles:

Resource productivity Consumer safety Air emission Water emission Occupational health and safety

Figure. 3.1: Five principles of the bluesign® system.

Responsible management of resources with the focus on preservation of human health and clean environment shall be the goal forall system partners. A proactive strategy towards a clean and transparent production shall be promoted. The best results can not beobtained within weeks or even months but they rather represent ongoing efforts for continual improvement. The way towardssustainable production can not and should not be taken alone - it involves collaboration of the whole supply chain network tominimize the product’s life-cycle impact.

At the production site(s) of a bluesign® system partner the following principles shall be the guidance for all activities:

The activities performed at the production site must not have harmful impact on human beings, animals, plants, soil,aquatic bodies or the atmosphere.

A high level of human health and environmental protection shall be ensured with the goal of achieving sustainabledevelopment.

A system partner shall be aware of Best Available Techniques (BAT) that are relevant for the industry and shall implementthose techniques to continuously improve environmental performance.


4 Legal complianceA system partner has to maintain compliance and stay up-to-date with any changes in the relevant legislation.Awareness and understanding of applicable legal requirements is a prerequisite for a system partner to meet all relevantinternational, national, regional and local requirements concerning environmental aspects, occupational health, corporate socialresponsibility and product safety.Legally binding requirements that are stronger or more detailed than the bluesign® criteria will supersede these and vice versa.

5 Social responsibility5.1 UN Global CompactA system partner has to confirm compliance with the ten principles of the UN GLOBAL COMPACT in the areas of human rights, labor,the environment and anti-corruption.

System partners shall embrace, support and enact, within their sphere of influence, this set of core values:

Human Rights Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.

Labor Standards Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to

collective bargaining; Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labor; Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labor; and Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

Environment Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges; Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

Anti-Corruption Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

In case where in the course of a bluesign® audit or bluesign® screening an obvious abuse of points 1,2,3-6 and 10 is assessed, a systempartner shall conduct a third party social audit and assure an appropriate follow-up for continuous improvement. For first tier systempartners, i.e. garment manufacturers/assemblers, a social responsibility audit and the appropriate follow-up steps for continuousimprovement are mandatory.


6 Management SystemAn appropriate management system shall be installed, maintained and continuously improved. It shall cover the aspects of

Quality Environment/ Resource saving Occupational Health and Safety

A management system shall be based on the plan-do-check-act cycle (Fig. 6.1) - an iterative four-step management method.International standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 shall be the guideline for all system partners.

Figure 6.1: PDCA cycle

In order to establish and maintain a proper management system a system partner shall particularly define and preferably publish a corporate policy derive measurable goals and establish a program to achieve the goals (including responsibilities and budget) ensure the availability of resources (human, technical, organizational, financial etc.) to establish, maintain and improve the

quality, environmental, OHS and product stewardship aspects assure appropriate education and awareness of all employees pertaining to environmental and OHS aspects appoint a management representative for environment, OHS and the bluesign® system; the representative shall report to

top management define the requirements according to the bluesign® system enable traceability of production lots including all documentation and reports

Each system partner shall define a series of standard operating procedures that have to be followed in order to meet the presetobjectives and assure that the processes are running correctly.

bluesign® system partners with raw materials and processes of high relevance to humans and the surrounding are especially advisedto seek third party management system certification.


6.1 HousekeepingEffective housekeeping can eliminate workplace hazards thus contributing to overall better functioning of the production site andincreased efficiencies. Employees should understand that routine housekeeping is a priority and that each person is accountable formaking sure that the production area remains clean and orderly throughout a workday.Effective housekeeping is an ongoing operation with the workers training playing an essential role. It shall apply to all facilities at theproduction site.

6.1.1 MaintenanceMaintenance of a production site has to be assured in every case. Facilities and installations shall be checked regularly and in case ofan incident or a malfunction (leakage, spill, etc.) remedial maintenance has to be performed.Maintenance activities shall apply to:

General facilities (production area, offices, laboratory) Machinery and equipment Storage areas Pipes, tanks and floorings Electrical installations Sanitary facilities


7 Input stream managementA suitable input stream management and process control shall ensure that the final product is of defined quality, that themanufacturing process conforms to the legal requirements and the bluesign® criteria and that both the manufacturing process andthe final product have the least possible impact on people and environment.

In order to establish and maintain an appropriate input steam management a system partner shall define all necessary actionsincluding

development of sourcing criteria (supplier assessment, purchase specifications) establishing and maintaining of raw material control including a testing program

Good sourcing criteria can prevent an introduction of unwanted substances into the manufacturing process. A system partner shallperform regularly a proof of quality parameters and seek continuously for environmentally friendly and health-wise more favorablealternatives.

If the bluesign® approved raw materials and intermediates are sourced from trading companies and the original trade name of thematerial is kept, the manufacturer has to assure originality of the material by an appropriate supplier verification.

7.1 Chemical supplierAn appropriate input stream management concerning chemical raw materials and intermediates shall assure that sufficientknowledge on the raw materials (active components) and adequate information on by-products and impurities is given. Effectivequality control of the raw materials by means of a chemical analysis shall be established as a routine procedure.Relevant supplier information shall assure that the bluesign® criteria concerning restricted and banned substances can be met.A guideline for system partners provided by bluesign technologies gives further instructions for bluesign® system partners how toinstall, implement and maintain a product stewardship program including appropriate input stream management.

7.2 Manufacturer7.2.1 Chemicals managementUsing only bluesign® approved chemical products from bluesign® system partners shall be the goal. Non-system partner chemistrymust be phased-out/replaced as soon as possible. Taking into consideration that a phase-out/replacement of non-system partnerchemical products is often linked with the time consuming actions such as

adaption of recipes lab and production trials additional lab testing newly adapted sourcing creation/expansion of the bluesign® network

the change in the chemical product portfolio of a manufacturer can be done – practically speaking – only step by step.

The bluesign® criteria reflect this situation by means of a stepwise phase-out procedure of non-system partner chemical productsduring the implementation phase of the bluesign® system (compare Supplement: Chemicals Management for Manufacturer).

The bluesign® bluefinder, with its positive list of bluesign® approved chemical products, plays an important role in the chemicalsubstitution process and shall be implemented into the chemicals management system of every manufacturer.

7.2.2 Management of other raw materials and intermediatesIt shall be the goal of each system partner to assure that every raw material or intermediate (fiber, yarn, raw fabric, membrane, etc.)which is used to manufacture a bluesign® approved article is also certified as bluesign® approved. A continuously growing network of


system partners from all branches of the supply chain facilitates this approach. However, at the moment not all types of rawmaterials/intermediates have adequate bluesign® approved equivalents available.It is therefore on discretion of bluesign technologies to decide whether non-bluesign® approved raw materials/intermediates can betolerated.

Tolerating of raw materials/intermediates can only be granted if an appropriate input stream management at the production site isimplemented and maintained, a high level of consumer safety is assured and a safe material handling at the manufacturer’s site canbe provided. Tolerating of raw materials/intermediates is possible only if a manageable amount of materials is given and sufficientdata is available.

A decision of tolerating a raw material or an intermediate depends particularly on a risk of contamination with restricted and bannedsubstances. This risk varies depending on material’s composition and material’s source. In every case the manufacturer has to assureby means of an appropriate input control, as for example supplier evaluation and supplier selection, purchase conditions and testingprogram, that the BSSL limits (consumer safety limits) are kept. In case of materials with known potential for consumer safety or OHSrisks the manufacturer is responsible for obtaining all necessary supplementary data (MSDS, TDS, PSF, test results, etc.) which allowrobust conclusion on safe handling during manufacturing and end-use.

With exception of subcontractors that manufacture the above mentioned tolerated raw materials/intermediates, a manufacturer cannot subcontract another company to carry out processes which are relevant for bluesign® approved materials.Subcontractors who carry out only mechanical and thermal processes may be, at the discretion of bluesign technologies, exemptedfrom this rule.


8 Product Stewardship for the finished productEvery company has full responsibility for the products it markets to their customers.Product stewardship for a finished product starts for chemical suppliers and manufacturers with an appropriate input streammanagement. Purchase of bluesign® approved raw materials and intermediates facilitates input stream management and increasesproduct safety along the supply chain.Nevertheless, the processes carried out at the production site also influence the quality of the finished product. That means that in-process inspection and final inspection are additional management tasks.Appropriate packaging and shipping of finished products shall avoid that products are damaged during storage and transport andshall prevent cross contamination.

8.1 Chemical supplierA guideline for system partners provided by bluesign technologies gives further instructions for chemical suppliers includingproposals for a testing matrix and an appropriate testing program.

8.2 ManufacturerA manufacture shall establish and maintain an appropriate control of finished products including verification of the BSSL compliance.


9 Resource productivityA manufacturer shall strive for an optimization of quality and quantity of resources. It is a prerequisite to choose and use theresources in a responsible way. Both ethical and environmental aspects shall be taken into account.In order to capture a status quo and to provide data for benchmarking an annual review of key figures related to water, energy, rawmaterials and chemicals consumption as well as to wastewater, waste and CO2-emissions shall be performed. The acquiredinformation shall serve as an indicator for targeted corrective actions and new environmental objectives.

9.1 Chemicals and other raw materialsImplementation of appropriate processes and their continuous optimization shall enable the lowest possible use of chemicals andraw materials. An in-house recycling can additionally minimize the consumption of resources. An appropriate input streammanagement shall enable implementation of only good quality chemicals and raw materials (see Chapter 7).

9.2 FreshwaterWater is a very valuable resource and, in certain parts of the World where water is scarce, it is the single most important resource. Asthe World’s population continues to grow and available water resources are shrinking in some regions it is becoming not only anenvironmental but also an ethical aspect to effectively and efficiently manage water resources.Thus it is of great importance that freshwater sources, consumption volumes and usage purposes are known. Water saving shall bepart of the corporate policy.

The following main principles shall be adopted: Metering of fresh water consumption volume at least at a company level Internal and external benchmarking of absolute and specific water consumption at least annually at a company level Awareness of and use of water saving technologies Re-use of cooling water Re-use of process water (if possible) and installing closed water circuits

9.3 EnergyEnergy carriers shall be chosen and used in a responsible way. The aim of minimizing the carbon footprint shall be in focus.The energy needed to operate the installations shall be generated in a sustainable and resource saving way with a preference forrenewable energy sources. Energy saving shall be part of the corporate policy.

The following main principles shall be adopted: Environmental friendly fuel types should be used Metering of energy usage at least annually at a company level Internal and external benchmarking of absolute and specific energy consumption and CO2 emissions at least on an annual

basis Use of heat exchangers to recover residual thermal energy from water and off-gas Use of indirect cooling instead of injection cooling Insulation of heated machines Re-use of steam condensate


10 EmissionsThe untreated wastewater, polluted air and waste from industrial operations may harm ecosystems and cause health and safetyproblems for the workers and the surrounding communities. The appropriate installations and management procedures may preventharmful emissions and help in obtaining required emission limits at the production site.Requirements of applicable governing agencies are to be fulfilled. However, when bluesign® limit values are stronger or moredetailed than the national or local requirements, the national or local requirements will be superseded.

Installations used to prevent or, where it is not practicable, to reduce emissions shall not shift pollution between the variousenvironmental media.

Dilution of wastewater and off-gas streams with the intention to comply with the wastewater or off-gas limits is not allowed.

10.1 Wastewater10.1.1 GeneralIndustry specific limit values for wastewater quality are provided in the relevant supplementary criteria and shall be fulfilled by thecompany responsible for direct discharge to the aquatic body (i.e. a system partner and/or the industrial or public wastewatertreatment plant (WWTP)).

Within a production site two types of wastewater can emerge: industrial (process) water, which results from the production operations, and domestic water, which is a non-process related wastewater

Both types of wastewater effluents shall be appropriately treated and disposed of to prevent environmental pollution.

A system partner shall establish and maintain an inventory list of all wastewater sources.

The design of wastewater treatment installations shall ensure that the wastewater treatment is of sufficient quality, that thetreatment types were chosen properly and their efficiency is on a high level and that the ecological impact is minimized. If possibleand practical, the high-loaded wastewater streams shall be collected and treated separately.The operator of the wastewater treatment (manufacturer or third party) should possess an appropriate knowledge and technicalequipment.It is strictly forbidden to discharge not used residual amounts of chemical products.A sludge resulting from the wastewater treatment operations shall be properly handled and managed. The choice of optimal sewagesludge treatment and disposal shall ensure that harmful substances are not transferred to humans or environment. The wastewaterresulting from sludge drying operations shall be returned to the WWTP.Soil and air contamination as well as odor pollution shall be avoided at all times.

Two scenarios of wastewater treatment at the production site apply:(1) Direct discharge, i.e. wastewater discharged directly into a river or other receiving body. It is normally regulated under

national pollutant discharge legislations.(2) Indirect discharge, i.e. wastewater that is sent to an industrial or publicly owned WWTP. Discharge to such WWTP is mostly

subject to the local authority regulations.


10.1.2 Direct dischargeA valid permit from all applicable governing agencies is a prerequisite for direct discharge allowance.

Treated wastewater, that is to be used for irrigation, shall be processed within an approved national irrigation program and followingall legal requirements. bluesign technologies reserves the right to restrict the usage of treated wastewater for irrigation purposes orto allow it under the strict, site-specific limit values.

10.1.3 Indirect dischargeIn case of the wastewater discharged to the WWTP managed by third party (e.g. a municipal sewage plant), a verification of theexternal treatment with regard to the operating conditions and compliance to national and local regulations as well as to thebluesign® criteria needs to take place. A wastewater effluent of the production site must not have negative influence on the externalwastewater treatment. As the limits required by the industrial or public WWTP are obligatory, there might be a necessity for a pre-treatment of wastewater before directing it to the industrial or public WWTP.

10.1.4 Domestic sewage managementDomestic sewage shall be treated using biological treatment before discharging it to the aquatic body. Depending on a company’sstrategy the following ways of wastewater treatment are acceptable:

third party treatment in an off-site WWTP treatment at an on-site WWTP; domestic water and process water are treated together if the design allows treatment of

mixed wastewater. on-site septic-tank system; septic-tank effluent is not suitable for direct discharge and should be treated to reduce its

polluting potential.Domestic sewage quality must in every case meet the local discharge criteria, and in case of combined treatment of industrial anddomestic wastewater it must meet the bluesign® criteria.

10.2 Air10.2.1 GeneralReduction of air emissions and maintenance of an odor-free atmosphere with the goal of achieving the best possible air qualityshould be assured.

Air emissions apply to stack emissions, and fugitive emissions (emissions which are not captured but occur by evaporation during application, leaks, etc.)

A system partner shall establish and maintain an inventory list of all emission ports (captured air emissions).

10.2.2 VOC-relevant production sitesA system partner shall in general seek for low-emission processes and, if feasible, shall substitute solvent borne products/processesby water based technologies.

A volatile organic compound (VOC)-relevant production site, i.e. where more than 5 tons of solvents per year are being used, mustmeet the following air emission limits (for total organic carbon (TOC) in off-gas or efficiency):

less than 50 mg of TOC per m3 for each emission portor

less than 0.5 kg of TOC per houror

more than 80 % efficiency regarding TOC elimination at each emission port


If toluene or N,N-dimethylformamide is used at the site the efficiency of off-gas cleaning for these types of substances has to be on alevel of 80 % or higher.For other hazardous organic or inorganic substances there is currently no bluesign® limit; local limits have to be followed.

A VOC-relevant production site/company must be able to establish a well-documented input/output balance of solvents.The following data (annual mass stream values) must be at hand for the mass balance (see also Figure 10.1):

Input Consumption of solvents and solvent containing auxiliaries

Output off-gas emissions (stacks; raw-gas and clean-gas) fugitive emissions (workplace, wastewater, solid waste, soil, product)

Figure 10.1: Solvent mass balance

A tailor made off-gas abatement system considering BAT shall be installed and regularly maintained Air emissions and efficiency of off-gas abatement system (TOC and relevant substances as toluene, N,N-

dimethylformamide) shall be measured in regular time intervals. Fugitive emissions shall be minimized If relevant (especially if aqueous scrubber is installed), measured values for wastewater emissions are of interest


10.2.3 Emissions from power generation / boiler houseEmissions from power generation/boiler houses are characterized by

NOx SO2

CO Dust

Currently, the bluesign® criteria set no limits for these parameters but the local requirements have to be fulfilled in every case. Thegoal shall be to use low emission fuels, as for example natural or liquid pressured gas. In cases where heavy oil or coal is used anappropriate off-gas abatement system minimizing SO2 and particle emissions shall be installed.

10.2.4 OdorThe odor intensity levels set by the local authorities are mandatory. Furthermore, the neighborhood complaints shall also berespected.

10.3 NoiseThe noise emission levels set by the local authorities are mandatory. Furthermore, the neighborhood complaints shall also berespected.Please refer to Chapter 11 for workplace relevant noise emission levels.

10.4 WasteEach system partner shall follow the waste management principle (Fig. 10.2) and shall prevent waste wherever possible. Standardoperating procedures for waste management shall be established at each production site.

Following requirements shall apply: Compliance with national and/or local regulations pertaining to waste storage and transport shall be ensured. Packaging material shall be reduced, the use of returnable containers is strongly recommended. Unavoidable waste shall be collected separately to enable re-use/recycling or to ensure a safe disposal. Workers shall be informed of the binding waste management procedures. A waste balance shall be created on a yearly basis including an overview of waste types, quantity, disposal methods etc. The

documents and reports including third party protocols from waste management companies shall be archived. Hazardous waste shall be stored separately from non-hazardous waste; storage areas for hazardous waste shall be defined. Hazardous waste shall be disposed of separately from non-hazardous waste. Only licensed subcontractors shall be

contracted for transport and discharge of hazardous waste. Disposal of waste shall ensure that contamination of soil and water is avoided; if waste is incinerated an appropriate

incineration technique and an off-gas abatement technique shall be installed. Sludge from a wastewater treatment shall not be used in agriculture.

Figure 10.2: Principle of waste management


By way of exception an on-site waste incineration at production sites can be tolerated. In this case the permit for incineration mustexplicitly and precisely list the conditions for incineration. Extensive and regular off-gas measurements including the parameterdioxin will be mandatory in this case. A system partner must have an excellent know-how regarding the process management andprocess control.

10.5 SoilContamination of soil with chemicals shall be avoided; therefore floorings and underground tanks and pipes must be in good orderand regularly controlled.Information on brown field areas shall be given. In case of contamination the remediation plans shall exist and a system partner shallfollow the plans.


11 Occupational health and safety11.1 Risk assessmentEvery year, people are injured at work or have their health harmed in the workplace. That is why risk assessment plays a key role inthe safer workplace. Risk assessment is a dynamic process that allows companies to put in place a proactive policy of managingworkplace risks. Proper risk assessment includes, among others, making sure that all relevant risks and not only the intermediate orobvious ones are taken into account, checking the efficiency of the adopted safety measures, documenting the outcomes of theassessment and regularly reviewing the assessment to keep it updated.A risk assessment considers:

what could cause harm, whether the hazards could be eliminated and if not what preventive or protective measures are or should be in place to control the risks.

A system partner is responsible for carrying out occupational health assessments and for establishing, if necessary, measuringprograms to identify possible risks related to the release of hazardous substances or the threat of mechanical hazards to people andworkplace. In case of a potential risk, operation instructions and self-explanatory safety instructions with pictograms shall be postedat relevant working areas, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) shall be available and used when needed and workersshall be educated and trained.

11.2 GeneralA system partner shall provide sufficient lighting of work areas to allow safe performance of production activities.Building constructions shall be regularly examined to ensure their proper functioning and maintenance.

11.3 Mechanical and electrical hazardsIf relevant, the mechanical and electrical hazards have to be managed at the production site. Among others the following hazardscan apply:

Electrical installations Processes where electrostatic discharge (ESD) might occur Processes with rotating machine parts, sharp edges, hot surfaces Heat stress Fall hazards Forklift operation Improper stacking and unsecure loads hazards

11.4 Chemical hazardsA system partner shall assure availability of up- to date versions of MSDS for all hazardous chemicals used at the site for all responsible personnel identify possible risks regarding the release of hazardous substances to the workplace and if necessary establish measuring

programs. If measured values are in the range or exceed national limits or limits set by the bluesign® criteria the appropriateimprovement actions shall start. bluesign technologies provides in the document Occupational Exposure Limits forproduction sites the workplace exposure limits for the relevant chemical substances.

inform on handling hazardous substances by means of clearly understandable safety instructions using pictograms in allrelevant working areas

define written standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding management of hazardous material regularly control and maintain safety equipment and installations install an appropriate air ventilation system for production areas with a relatively high exposure educate regularly and in case of incidents relevant personnel and regularly practice drills


11.5 NoiseA system partner is obliged to determine potential noise areas and to establish and update a noise cadastre.Noise protection areas shall be marked in an appropriate way.

Above a noise level of 80 dB(A) an appropriate ear protection must be available. Above a noise level of 85 dB(A) an ear protection ismandatory.

12 Handling and storage of hazardous materials12.1 StorageA system partner shall

establish and maintain an inventory list of all hazardous materials handled, transported, used and stored establish and maintain an appropriate storage concept considering co-storage restrictions determine well-defined and appropriately marked storage areas and separate the storage area from the process area perform a risk assessment of the chemical storage area(s) follow instructions described in MSDS for correct storage and handling of hazardous chemicals assure proper maintenance (cleanness, ventilation) of storage areas assure correct labeling of tanks, intermediate bulk containers, drums etc. with GHS symbols and substance name install retention measures (double walled containers, secure bended tanks, and/or other devices (retention ponds)) and, if

appropriate, leakage control devices to prevent contamination of the soil with liquid chemicals use closed containers for storage of chemicals, whenever possible ensure that toxic chemicals are stored in locked areas

12.2 HandlingWorkers having contact with hazardous materials shall be educated upon engagement with the company, and afterwardsperiodically (e.g. once a year). The trainings shall also be conducted upon the introduction of new processes or chemicals in order toimprove the awareness concerning handling of hazardous materials (including hazardous waste) and in case of incidents. Trainingrecords shall be kept on file.A system partner shall provide an appropriate personal protective equipment.If solid substances in powder form are decanted (dyestuffs, reducing agents etc.), appropriate precautions to minimize the dustcontent at the working place shall be installed.If sensitizing substances are handled, skin contact and inhalation of the substances shall be strictly avoided.


13 Emergency preparedness13.1 General rulesA system partner shall establish, implement and maintain procedures of response to potential emergency situations and potentialaccidents that can have an impact on the environment and employees. A system partner shall periodically test such procedureswhere practicable. Employees shall be regularly trained on all aspects concerning potential emergency cases.

Natural disasters such as earth quakes, flooding or storms shall also be considered as potential emergency situations.

The following equipment, installations and organizational requirements shall be established: Well-educated persons trained in first aid (a share of at least 5 % of the employees; for manufacturing companies and

departments a share of 10 % should be the goal) Emergency medical and personal information records of all employees First aid equipment Appropriate fire extinguisher (regularly maintained) Eye wash and emergency shower installations Spill kits (sorbent booms, absorbent material) Emergency exits (unblocked, unlocked) Emergency lights Alarm systems (acoustic alarm system, optical alarm system) Assembly points Fire protection plans Evacuation plans Special protective equipment for hazardous material incidents

13.2 Preparedness for major accident hazardsMajor accidents at the production site (e.g. major emissions, fire or explosion) could put in danger the workers but also thesurrounding environment and human settlements. Thus prevention of accidents and limitation of their consequences are of highimportance.Safety management system (disaster control plan) shall be in place

to demonstrate that major accident hazards have been identified to demonstrate that the necessary measures have been taken to prevent such accidents to limit the consequences for man and environment in case of accidents to show that a company is prepared to face and combat natural hazards (e.g. earthquakes)

Emergency plan must be established with the objectives of confining and controlling incidents communicating the necessary information to the authorities

Safety management system is required especially when handling hazardous substances in significant quantities.


14 Verification of complianceThe requirements defined by these criteria will be reviewed by an on-site inspection carried out by bluesign technologies.A whole production site is in the scope of the on-site inspection. In cases where only one legally independent corporation isresponsible for an industrial park consisting of a conglomerate of several industry sectors, it is on discretion of bluesign technologiesto focus only on the relevant installations and associated activities.

The results of the on-site inspection are summarized in an audit/screening report. An audit/screening report includes, among others,a decision of bluesign technologies on the compliance of the production site with the relevant bluesign® criteria. In case of non-conformities corrective actions including a time table are prescribed. Furthermore, the recommendations for improvements aregiven. The audit/screening report concludes finally whether or not a system partnership is recommended.A company obviously or seriously violating the guiding principles (compare Chapter 3) may not become bluesign® system partner(no-go situation).

Re-audits/re-screenings have to be carried out no later than every three years and timely before expiry of the valid certificate.If non-conformity is detected or if the relevant organizational and technical procedures change significantly, a follow-up inspectionmay be necessary. In every case, a system partner is obliged to immediately report any issues regarding possible non-compliancewith the relevant criteria as well as to inform on significant changes in production process, management or company structure.bluesign technologies reserves the right to carry out an unannounced follow-up inspection at any time.

In cases where processes and/or chemicals are involved along the supply chain that are of significant concern regarding impact onpeople and environment, bluesign technologies reserves the right to assess (by means of a paper or physical audit) not only theproduction site itself but also the up-stream processes or even to request system partnership from a supplying company.

Industry-specific criteria regarding the verification of compliance are to be viewed in the annex documents.

15 ValidityThis document comes into effect from April 01, 2014. It replaces the bluesign® criteria for production sites, edition 1.3 from April 2010.For all companies that signed the screening or audit agreement before April 01, 2014 and for all system partners the implementationof the revised sections shall take place until April 01, 2015 at the latest.

This document is subject to changes. Changes will come into effect after prior notice and defined transition time.

16 Annex documents Several bluesign® criteria for specific industry branches

17 Other applicable documents bluesign® system (effective version) bluesign® system substances list (BSSL; effective version) bluesign® criteria for chemical assessment (Homologation)


Supplement: Chemicals Management for Manufacturer

1 ScopeThis supplement defines additional provisions for chemicals management. The procedure of chemical assessment and rating ofchemical products is described elsewhere. (see bluesign® criteria for chemical assessment (Homologation))

2 General principlesFor homologation of chemical products detailed information on intended ingredients (actives and additives) and unintendedingredients (impurities, by-products) as well as on toxicological and ecological data is necessary.Apart from manufacturers and brands, chemical suppliers act as system partners within the bluesign® system. This approach enablesthe chemical supplier and bluesign technologies to exchange essential information and updates which are often confidential.That means in other words that bluesign® approved chemical products are checked more thoroughly than it would ever be possiblewith the non-system partner products.It is the goal that the manufacturer uses only bluesign® approved chemical products from bluesign® system partners. Non-systempartner chemistry must be phased-out/replaced as soon as possible.

Taking into consideration that phase-out/replacement of non-system partner chemical products is often linked with time consumingactions as adaption of recipes additional lab and production trials new adapted sourcing creation/expansion of the bluesign® network

the change in the chemical product portfolio of a manufacturer can be done – practically speaking - only step by step.

The bluesign® criteria reflects this situation by means of a stepwise phase out schedule of non-system partner chemical productsduring implementation phase of the bluesign® system (compare Figure S3.1).

Note:A homologation list, that reflects the status of the bluesign® homologation of each chemical product being in use at the inspectedproduction site, is attached to each screening report.An additional working list aggregates the information from homologation and specifies the action of the manufacturer regardingchemicals management for each single chemical product.


2.1 Procedure for replacement of non-system partner chemical productsIt is a prerequisite for initial certification that the bluesign® approved articles are manufactured only with blue and grey chemical products of bluesign® system partners tolerated chemical products of non-system partners accepted basic chemicals

For first renewal of the certificate phase out/replacement of non-system partner chemical products has to be completed (exceptiontolerated chemical products), that means that at the whole production site only blue and grey chemical products of bluesign® system partners accepted basic chemicals

are in use. In exceptional cases the usage of particular non-system partner chemical products which are rated as tolerated can beaccepted.

This stepwise approach can be followed only if the organizational and technical performance of the manufacturer is on anappropriate level as checked during on-site inspection and stated in the bluesign® screening report.

Figure S3.1: Replacement of non-system partner chemical products in the beginning of a bluesign® system partnership


2.2 Handling of bluesign® system partner chemical productsChemical products from bluesign® system partner are generally homologated. Their rating is listed in the homologation list.

2.3 Handling of non-system partner chemical products2.3.1 Handling within bluesign® screeningChemical products from non-system partner are generally not homologated. Manufacturer needs to provide Material Safety DataSheets (MSDS) as part of the screening process.Based on this information bluesign technologies decides whether an interim use of this chemical product can be allowed or whetheran early phase out is necessary e.g. of a product with a significant risk. These results are stated in the homologation list.

2.3.2 Handling during implementationDuring implementation phase all chemical products must be transferred to bluesign® approved chemical products. This means that They need to be replaced by bluesign® approved products of an existing bluesign® system partner or They need to pass bluesign® homologation if their supplier decides to become a bluesign® system partner.

2.3.3 Tolerating non-system partner chemical productsIf from a technical point of view an appropriate chemical product from a bluesign® system partner is not registered in the bluesign®bluefinder a homologation of non-system partner chemical product can be performed exceptionally upon the decision of bluesigntechnologies. Chemical products compliant with the bluesign® criteria for chemical assessment (Homologation) will be rated as“tolerated”. An appropriate data base (reliable and meaningful MSDS + PSF) is required and needs to be provided by the textilemanufacturer.


2.3.4 Evaluation process and rating


It is evident that not homologated chemical products may have negative influence on the EHS performance of the company.However due to the fact that chemical products used for uncertified range(s) are also briefly evaluated based on MSDS and during initial bluesign®

screening emissions and occupational health situation must always meet the bluesign® criteria for production sites (also during

implementation phase)the potential risk is minimized at best in this time period.

Nanoscale materials, flame retardants and biocidal products must be manufactured by a bluesign® system partner. A “tolerated”status for these chemicals is not possible.

2.4 Basic chemicalsFor basic chemicals (such as sodium hydroxide or acetic acid) a bluesign® system partnership of the supplier is not required. Thechemicals are rated based on an actual MSDS which has to be reliable and appropriate. Basic chemicals which conform to thebluesign® criteria for chemical assessment (Homologation) are rated as “accepted”; if compliance is not given the chemical is rated“banned” and has to be phased out from manufacturing process.

2.5 Product ranges which are out of scope of certificationAs a bluesign® system partner the manufacturer commits to working towards a product portfolio which can be certified completelyas bluesign® approved in order to minimize impact to man and environment at best.

In some specific cases it might not be possible to change the chemical products, not even in the long term (e.g. if detailed customerspecifications for chemical products exist (military, automotive, etc.)). In this exceptional case the respective product range can bedefined as „out of scope of certification“.

However, an on-site inspection covers the whole production site in order to ensure that the following pre-conditions are met: Organizational and technical situation at the production site has to ensure that cross contamination with the bluesign®

approved articles can be avoided. Emission and occupational health situation of the production site meets the relevant bluesign® criteria.

The need for an “out of scope range” must be specified by the manufacturer with the adequate arguments. Decision whether an “outof scope range” is practicable without significant additional risks must be stated in the bluesign® screening report by bluesigntechnologies.

2.6 Extended phase-out periodIn case of the poor availability of an appropriate bluesign® approved alternatives on the manufacturers market/business segmentbluesign technologies can decide to extend the phase-out period for tolerated non-system partner chemistry.


3 Homologation status of chemical productsThe following table explains the different rating of chemical products and basic chemicals. Additionally, it is explained how thechemical products have to be managed at the time of initial certification and first renewal of certificate.

Note: Chemical products which do not meet the bluesign® criteria for chemical assessment (Homologation) shall be replaced bybluesign® approved chemical products listed in the bluesign® bluefinder.

Screening Initial certification Re-certification

Homologationresult

Explanation bluesign®approved articles

Articles notintended forcertification

All articles

Chemical products from bluesign® system partnerBlue Blue rated chemical products may be used for

all applications.No restriction No restriction No restriction

Grey Grey rated chemical products are products thatmay be used under one or more pre-conditionsas listed in bluefinder.

okbut pre-conditions tobe met



Black Black rated chemical products do not meet thebluesign® criteria for homologation and mustbe eliminated from the manufacturing process.

Usage ban Interim use but highphase out priority

Usage ban

Data pending bluesign technologies is in contact withchemical supplier for completing data base.

Usage ban Interim use Usage ban

Not intended forhomologation

Chemical supplier intends not to homologatethis product.


Chemical products from non-system partner

Standard processMissing MSDS Chemical products shall not be used at the

production site without MSDSUsage ban Usage ban Usage ban

Interim use Chemical products are not homologated. MSDScheck showed no significant risk.


Banned Banned rated chemical products do not meetthe bluesign® criteria for homologation andmust be eliminated from the manufacturingprocess.


Usage ban

For exceptional cases – additional stateTolerated(see Chapter 3.3.3)

Chemical products from non-system partners,for which an appropriate data base (MSDS +PSF) exist and which conform to the bluesign®criteria for homologation.

okuntil re-certification

Interim use Usage ban

Missing data Data base not sufficient for homologation(MSDS available but insufficient PSF data).Company needs to contact chemical supplierfor completing data base (PSF).


Banned see above


Screening Initial certification Re-certification

Homologationresult Explanation bluesign®

approved articles

Articles notintended forcertification

All articles

Basic chemicalsAccepted Basic chemicals for which an appropriate data

base (MSDS) exist and which conform to thebluesign® criteria for homologation.

No restriction No restriction No restriction

Banned Banned rated basic chemicals conform do notmeet the bluesign® criteria for homologationand must be eliminated from themanufacturing process.


Usage ban

bluesign®criteria forproduction sites · a basic material from whichfinished products or...

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