TEXTILES.ORG
Bayer MaterialScience and bluesign technologies have agreed to enter into a strategic alliance to help ensure safe production processes and working conditions along the entire textile value chain. The bluesign® system defines criteria for chemicals use, including the responsible use of resources, effective hazardous materials management and the elimination of all dangerous substances.
Bayer MaterialScience recently set a milestone in innovative and sustainable textile coating with the introduction of INSQIN™, an integrated and complete package for the textile industry based on waterborne polyurethane technology. The package encompasses all aspects of materials development, through to production by certified manufacturers. Bayer’s waterborne, solvent-free, polyurethane raw materials can improve industrial hygiene, cut energy consumption by 50 percent, and water use by as much as 95 percent, the company says.
The company has had the waterborne polyurethane dispersions in its Impranil® line tested and certified under the bluesign® system. Textile manufacturers in search of chemicals with bluesign® certification can now find information on these products in the bluefinder database, that has data on some 5,000 chemicals used in the industry.
The bluesign® system gives consideration to substance lists with restricted use and advises manufacturers on how to minimize hazards to people and the environment. By jointly using the system, participants can cut costs along the processing chain and meet new market demands more quickly. The “bluesign® approved” label is accepted by both brand owners and major wholesalers.
Bayer MaterialScience is a global polymer company serving automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, and sports and leisure industries. Swiss-based bluesign technologies ag was founded in 2000. Since then, the bluesign® system has been adopted by various world-leading textile manufacturers, major companies in the chemical and machine industries, as well as athletic wear and fashion brands.