Berghaus, the British maker of outdoor gear, has joined the
international Bluesign sustainability system as part of an ongoing efforts to
eliminate harmful substances from the firm’s supply chain. The affiliation
enables Berghaus to identify and work
with responsible textile mills and component suppliers.

In recent years, Berghaus has dedicated more resources to reducing the
environmental impact of its activities.  A particular focus has been
placed on water use in product manufacture, recognizing the increasing pressure
that is being put on this limited resource by growing populations and
industrialization.

The textile industry in particular is highly water intensive, both in terms of
extraction and pollution, with an estimated 20 percent of global industrial
water pollution coming from the treatment and dyeing of textiles alone. 

“We have put a great deal of work into this project and this is a very
significant moment for the brand.” – Elaine Gardiner, Corporate Sustainability Officer, Berghaus

Berghaus’ commitment extends to working with suppliers and
textile mills who are able to demonstrate they can manage water in the cleanest
and most efficient ways, minimizing the impact on the water systems in the
countries from which they source.  In 2014, the company revealed details
of a new coloring technology it introduced for a range of woven products, which
reduces water use by 89 percent compared to traditional methods, while also
reducing chemical use by 63 percent and significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

Bluesign is a globally renowned initiative which works with chemical suppliers,
textile mills and component manufacturers to eliminate harmful substances from
the supply chain; ensuring that products are safe for consumers, workers and
the environment.  Led by its corporate sustainability officer Elaine
Gardiner, Berghaus has worked with Bluesign and its supply chain to ensure that
its products meet demanding requirements in terms of hazardous substances,
worker safety and environmental protection.

Consumers will soon be able to find numerous products in the current Berghaus
range which contain Bluesign approved fabrics, including the award winning ECO
Wovens apparel that was introduced in March this year.  The company is
aiming for 70 percent of its products to contain a Bluesign approved fabric by
spring/summer 2016.

“We have put a great deal of work into this project and this is a very
significant moment for the brand,” said Gardiner. “Bluesign
has major credibility around the world and will give retailers and consumers
assurance that our products not only perform but are more environmentally
friendly than ever.  However, we won’t stop now.  We will continue
the drive to design and develop socially and environmentally responsible
products in every part of the Berghaus collection.”