German mountain sports brand VAUDE has become the first company in the European outdoor products industry to become a member of “bluesign” in its bid to use the most environmentally friendly textilles.
“It is our aim to gradually switch to producing the whole VAUDE collection to the highest environmental standards,” explains Antje von Dewitz, VAUDE marketing director. “We can only achieve this ambitious goal with an independent, competent partner-and thats bluesign technologies.”
VAUDE has been producing its entire underwear collection according to bluesign criteria since 2002. Unlike many third-party standards organizations, Switzerland-based bluesign technologies ag provides its members technical and other support.
For example, VAUDE and bluesign technologies ag will together to draw up a list of prohibited and problematic substances which will set the parameters for the production of all VAUDE products which suppliers will have to adhere to worldwide. Membership also allows VAUDE to tap bluesign’s analyses, risk assessments, scientific information and reports on environmental, health and safety issues.
VAUDE will now evaluate its entire production chain. Even raw materials and components which are only used in small amounts in the products must fulfil very rigorous requirements. As part of the process, all VAUDE suppliers will have to be tested to receive the bluesign technologies stamp. They must also follow very strict consumer consumer protection criteria.
Other outdoor brands that have pursued bluesign membership include Granger International, MEC, Patagonia, Polartec and The North Face.
