Excerpt from standard:

A bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER shall strive for optimization of the quality and quantity of resources used. It is a prerequisite to choose and use the resources in a responsible way. Both ethical and environmental aspects shall be considered. To establish the status quo and to provide data for benchmarking, an annual review of key figures related to water, energy, raw materials and chemicals consumption, as well as wastewater, waste and CO2 emissions, shall be performed. The acquired information shall serve as an indicator for targeted corrective actions and setting of environmental objectives. 10.1 Chemicals and other raw materials Implementation of appropriate processes and their continual optimization shall enable the lowest possible use of chemicals and raw materials. In-house recycling can additionally minimize the consumption of resources. Appropriate input stream management shall enable the implementation of only good quality chemicals and raw materials (see Chapter 7 and 9).

Referenzdokumente:

10 Resource productivity

Excerpt from standard:

Limits are defined for substances in mixtures or formulations independent of any application/exposure scenario and purely based on a precautionary/hazard-based principle. The outcome is a ban on the use of substances (e.g. CMR 1A/1B (carcinogenic, mutagenic and reproductive toxic substances), POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants), SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern)). Intentional use of these substances or substance groups in the manufacturing of articles is prohibited. This means that chemical products (e.g. colorants or textile auxiliaries) used for the manufacturing of articles must not intentionally contain these substances or substance groups. These substances and the related fixed threshold limits are compiled in the BSBL. For all substances of very high concern (SVHC; Candidate List in accordance with Article 59(10) of the REACH Regulation) not included directly in this list a threshold limit of 1000 mg/kg is valid.

Excerpt from standard:

Positive lists and databases are used as sourcing tools for preferred chemicals. Preferred chemicals can be substances or mixtures that are assessed/screened and validated by neutral third parties for their toxicological and ecological profile to not contain active substances, additives or impurities of “concern”, to comply to national and global regulations as well as to voluntary stricter requirements, to reduce risks for workers in manufacturing, to lower environmental and product footprint and to protect consumers. The bluesign FINDER includes over 19,000 third party verified commercially available textile dyes and auxiliaries out of over 28,000 assessed chemical products. All registered chemicals are assessed by a comprehensive chemical hazard and risk assessment for more than 900 substances (600 thereof defined with a usage ban) based on verified data provided by contracted bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER chemical suppliers. Assessment of data regarding impurities is going deeper and beyond certain international reporting levels for safety data sheets (SDSs). Integrity of data is assured via repeated physical audits at manufacturing locations of chemical suppliers with a strong focus on product stewardship management and EH&S (clean-factory approach). Risk assessment calculations for preferred chemicals go as well beyond common MRSL approaches to not only cover substance restrictions but also consider GHS (H-phrases) and environmental aspects such as AOX and air emission characteristics. Access to bluesign® FINDER is offered for free. The manufacturer’s goal shall be to use only bluesign® APPROVED chemical products. By means of chemicals change management, chemicals not listed in bluesign® FINDER must be phased out or replaced as soon as possible. Considering that the phase-out or replacement of chemical products from non-system partners often involves time consuming activities such as, adaption of recipes; lab and production trials, additional lab testing; modified sourcing; creation/expansion of the bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER network any changes to the chemical products portfolio of a manufacturer can only be made step by step. bluesign® FINDER, with its positive list of bluesign® APPROVED chemical products, plays an important role in the chemical substitution process and shall be integrated into the chemicals management system of every manufacturer.

Referenzdokumente:

Several

Excerpt from standard:

Biocidal products used for manufacturing of bluesign® approved articles must be manufactured by a bluesign® system partner. However, when possible the use of antimicrobial active substances and biocidal products should be avoided or at least minimized. If a customer or a consumer requires an antimicrobial or a biocidal function of the fabric the appropriate product shall be used in a responsible and sustainable manner. The provisions on biocidal products and antimicrobial active substances shall be regularly reviewed in the light of the scientific and regulatory progress.

Referenzdokumente:

1 Preliminary remarks

Excerpt from standard:

Formaldehyde belongs to the carcinogenic substances (Carc. Cat. 1B) with the so called ‘safe exposure threshold’. The German MAK Commission has specified a limit of 0.37 mg/m3 below which formaldehyde can be regarded as not causing harmful cancer effects to humans. Formaldehyde as such is not used in textile manufacturing. However, since it is present as an impurity in certain textile auxiliaries and can be released out of them, it is of importance for emissions during finishing and eventually for consumer safety. Based on the risk assessment and following the bluesign® criteria for chemical assessment (Homologation), bluesign technologies comes to the following conclusion regarding the consumer safety limits for formaldehyde: Usage Range A: Next to skin use and baby articles (0 to 3 years) - 15 ppm; Usage Range B: Occasional skin contact - 75 ppm; Usage Range C: No skin contact - 300 ppm. Additionally, bluesign defines following occupational exposure limits (OEL) for formaldehyde: 0.3 ppm or 0.37 mg/m³ (goal 0.1 ppm). bluesign® FINDER contains several formaldehyde-free and formaldehyde-low chemical products for non-creasing and non-shrinking finishes. With these products a reduction of formaldehyde emissions in textile finishing is achieved and formaldehyde residues on the textile can be minimized.

Referenzdokumente:

BSSL - Page 9, 44

Excerpt from standard:

It is well known, that there can be a general relationship between toxicity and particle size. The smaller a particle, the greater the surface area compared to its volume and the higher its chemical reactivity and biological activity. Nanoparticles can be more readily inhaled and ingested and are more likely than larger particles to penetrate the human skin. Nanoparticles may be able to cross cell membranes or the blood brain barrier. Therefore, in comparison to conventional textile materials and processes, nanoscale materials may imply a significantly higher risk for humans and the environment. These potential additional risks require special criteria that are defined by the bluesign® SYSTEM. The most important issues concerning nanoscale materials are:  workplace atmosphere (manufacturing and downstream use)  off-gas emissions (manufacturing and downstream use)  wastewater emissions (manufacturing and downstream use)  consumer safety (release of nanoscale materials during use; inhalative, dermal and oral exposure)  end of use (release of nanoscale materials during incineration, landfill, recycling, etc.). Nanoscale materials used for manufacturing of bluesign® approved articles must be manufactured by a bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER. However, when possible the use of nanoscale materials should be avoided or minimized. If a customer or a consumer requires a nanoscale material, the appropriate product shall be used in a responsible and sustainable manner. Only products with a scientifically proven effect and minimized adverse reactions shall be used. The provisions on the nanoscale materials shall be regularly reviewed in the light of the scientific and regulatory progress. The manufacturer of a nanoscale material that is intended for registration as “bluesign® APPROVED” shall submit to bluesign technologies a compact risk assessment with the following information:  Description of the nanoscale material and its application  Life-cycle hazard profile  Life-cycle exposure profile (human, environment)  Risk evaluation (workplace, consumer, environment)  Risk management (workplace, consumer, environment)

Referenzdokumente:

1 Preliminary remarks

Excerpt from standard:

Flame retardants used for manufacturing of bluesign® approved articles must be manufactured by a bluesign® system partner. However, if possible the use of flame retardants shall be avoided or minimized (e.g. by the use of an appropriate fabric construction). Only products with scientifically proven effect and minimized adverse reactions shall be used.

Referenzdokumente:

1 Preliminary remarks

Excerpt from standard:

Biodegradability is one of the major environmental hazard endpoints that is considered for the bluesign® CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT of a chemical formulation. The assessment of ecological risk of a mixture is based on the correlation between biodegradation and aquatic toxicity. Mixtures that have low aquatic toxicity and are readily biodegradable will be rated as blue. A high aquatic toxicity and a low biodegradation degree will lead to a black rating. The grey rating can also be supported by an additional parameter - bacteria toxicity. The aquatic toxicity and biodegradation are used to determine the rating of only those mixtures that are not intended to be fixed on textiles. The ecological impact of chemical products that are intended to be fixed on textiles (e.g. dyestuffs, finishing agents, after treatment agents with fiber affinity) is assessed by an on-site inspection. These chemical products are designed to guarantee longterm functionality or color resistance of the textile, which is equal to an inherent low biodegradation behavior. Biodegradability of a chemical product can be assessed according to the methods: OECD 302 B, OECD 310, OECD 301 A-F or OECD 303 A.

Referenzdokumente:

5.2.2 Information on ecological and toxicological properties of a mixture/ 8.2 Ecological properties of a mixture

Excerpt from standard:

With the help of the bluesign® TOOL all bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER from chemical industry are easily guided through the homologation procedure. The tool provides all the necessary information on the evaluation of chemical products. Information on both ecological and toxicological properties of a mixture and on the single substances in a mixture is provided by the system partners. The data input is carefully verified by bluesign technologies. Hazard endpoints based on H-phrases such as aquatic toxicity of substances are included in the bluesign® CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT. The evaluation and rating of chemical mixtures not only depend on the intrinsic properties of the chemical substances but also on application scenarios and environmental pathways.

Referenzdokumente:

5.2 Data input from chemical supplier system partners

Excerpt from standard:

Especially in cases where compliance with BSSL can be only ensured by excellent process control (e.g. when solvents are in use), a manufacturer shall establish and maintain appropriate monitoring of finished products. An appropriate testing program for the finished products shall be installed and maintained. Additionally, a textile manufacturer shall establish and maintain appropriate quality control of finished products. Parameters such as pH and fastness properties, as well as the relevant BSSL substances, shall be part of a testing program, especially if compliance with the bluesign® SYSTEM SUBSTANCES LIST (BSSL) - Consumer safety limits depends not only on the raw materials and intermediates used but also on the process conditions and control (e.g. residual solvent content in solvent coating).

Referenzdokumente:

15 Quality assurance

Excerpt from standard:

The bluesign® system black limits (BSBL) specify threshold limits for chemical substances in finished chemical products such as auxiliaries or dyes. All chemical substances regulated under the bluesign® SYSTEM are managed via the bluesign® TOOL - the web-based software application for chemical assessment and rating. The compilation of substances in the BSBL is an extract of the bluesign® TOOL and includes all substances from the publicly available bluesign® system substances list (BSSL) Consumer safety limits for which the usage ban in articles is defined. These could, for instance, be substances with carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic properties, or those falling under the POPs Regulation (The European Commission Regulation on persistent organic pollutants). One substantial example of these substances are monomers such as acrylamide, acrylonitrile or ethylene oxide. All of them might be present in polymers and must be controlled by system partners from the chemical industry. Some substances of very high concern (SVHC, according to EU definition) are mentioned in the BSBL directly with limits which can be lower than the EU defined limit of declaration, which is 1000 ppm. For all SVHCs not directly listed in the BSBL, a threshold limit of 1000 ppm is fixed. Whereas the bluesign® TOOL includes, apart from the BSBL substances, also many other substances with limits in mixtures (e.g. dyes or auxiliaries) that depend on the relevant application situation and exposure scenario, the BSBL limits illustrate the minimum threshold limits independent from any type of application and strictly follow the precautionary hazard-based approach. The BSBL threshold limits are to be seen as a minimum requirement, as a gate keeper for undesirable substances following a hazard-based approach. Independent from this, the bluesign® TOOL calculates individual limits considering process and application conditions which can lead to even more stringent limits. All chemicals registered in the bluesign® FINDER, a positive list of commercially available chemical products that passed the bluesign® CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT, comply with the BSBL limits. Data on all bluesign® FINDER registered chemicals are delivered by system partners from the chemical industry which all follow a Responsible Care approach with excellent knowledge on Product Stewardship and have outstanding environmental and occupational health & safety performance. Only by these means can a well-founded assessment of the respective chemical products be performed. Further, limits for substances in chemical products (included in the BSBL) as well as in articles (included in the BSSL) can be derived. The BSBL is not intended to be send out to the supply chain for the purpose of obtaining a less substantial and conclusive compliance declaration. Rather, its main purpose is to inform on threshold limits the bluesign® FINDER registered chemicals comply with. Through bluesign® CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT and CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT, of which the BSBL is just one building block, bluesign® drives a powerful, conscientious and sustainable change towards safer chemicals in textile manufacturing.

Referenzdokumente:

BSBL chapter 6 - Threshold limit values

Referenzdokumente:

Annex: Surface treatment of metals v.2.0, p. 2Criteria for chemical assessment, p.15

Excerpt from standard:

BSSL define consumer safety limits for textiles and leather and sets usage bans for all substances/substance groups listed in the RoHS Directive, inlcuding mercury, cadmium, lead, chromium VI. BSBL define threshold limits of hazardous substances in chemical formulations, inlcuding mercury, cadmium, lead, chromium VI. All bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNERS are obliged to keep the ETAD limits for metals (see bluesign® CRITERIA, effective version).

Referenzdokumente:

BSSL - Page 40-42 BSBL - Page 30

Excerpt from standard:

12.4.2 Chemical hazards are rated and labeled according to the GHS as physical hazards (H-2xx), health hazards H-3xx), or environmental hazards (H-4xx). A system partner shall in particular, and in addition to measures determined in detailed risk assessments and measures required by local regulations, apply the following measures: [...] 13.2 A system partner shall ◼ Establish and maintain a Chemical Inventory List (CIL) of all hazardous materials handled, transported, used and stored at the site ◼ Conduct incoming materials inspection (delivery vs. order) ◼ Establish and maintain an appropriate storage concept, taking into account co-storage and segregation restrictions ◼ Determine well-defined and appropriately marked storage areas, and separate the storage area from the process area ◼ Perform an environmental and safety risk assessment of the chemical storage area(s) ◼ Follow instructions described in SDS for correct storage and handling of hazardous chemicals ◼ Ensure proper maintenance (cleanness, ventilation) of storage areas ◼ Ensure correct labeling of tanks, intermediate bulk containers, drums. etc. with GHS symbols and substance names ◼ Install retention measures (double walled containers, secure bunded tanks, and/or other means (retention ponds)) and, if appropriate, leakage monitoring 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

Referenzdokumente:

bluesign® CRITERIA for production sites - 12.4.2 Chemical hazards/ 13.2 Storage; Guidance Sheet: Chemicals Storage - complete document; Guideline: Chemicals Management and Chemical Change Management at Manufacturers - Page 15-18

Excerpt from standard:

An OH&S management system helps go beyond compliance in Occupational Health and Safety by addressing OH&S issues in a systematic way. It shall be focused on: [...] Selection of low hazard chemicals and regular substitution check [...]

Referenzdokumente:

6.4 OH&S management

Excerpt from standard:

For employees which work with chemicals, the system partner shall apply the following measures: ◼ Provide initial training on chemicals hazards and correct handling (document participation and success) ◼ Provide appropriate and suitable PPE and training for correct use (including work clothing) ◼ Supervise the use of PPE ◼ Where solid substances in powder form are handled (dyestuffs, reducing agents, etc.), appropriate precautions to minimize dust concentration at the workplace shall be installed ◼ If sensitizing substances are handled, skin contact and inhalation of the substances shall be strictly avoided ◼ Train employees on how to classify, collect and dispose of hazardous waste resulting from operations

Referenzdokumente:

bluesign® CRITERIA for production sites - 13.1 Handling; Guideline: Chemicals Management and Chemical Change Management at Manufacturers - Several

Excerpt from standard:

A bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER shall establish, implement and maintain procedures for response to potential emergency situations and potential accidents that can have an impact on the environment and the employees. A bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER shall regularly test such procedures where practicable. Employees The bluesign CRITERIA defines a variety of requirements regarding environmental risk assessments and pollution prevention and control such as: - defined emergency procedures - layout planning , drainage, storage concepts, spill plans etc. - stormwater pollution and prevention - historical use of the production site including potential contamination - remediation plans for existing pollutions - Preparedness for major accident hazards (e.g. emissions, fire, explosion) - [...]

Referenzdokumente:

bluesign® CRITERIA for production sites - several, p. 28

Excerpt from standard:

As the world population continues to grow and available resources are shrinking in some regions, responsible management of resources is becoming not only an environmental consideration but also an ethical consideration. The focus on preservation of human health and a clean environment by effectively and efficiently managing water, energy, chemicals and raw materials during production is the goal for all bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNERS. It is of great importance that freshwater sources, consumption volumes and use purposes are known. Water conservation shall be part of the corporate policy, and the following main principles shall be adopted: ◼ Continual metering of freshwater consumption volume, at least at the company level ◼ Internal and external benchmarking of absolute and specific water consumption, at least on an annual basis and at the company level ◼ Awareness of and use of water saving technologies ◼ Reuse of cooling water ◼ Reuse of process water (if possible) and installing closed water circuits ◼ Water consumption shall be made a purchasing criterion when purchasing new machinery ◼ The economic, technical and legal feasibility of a water recycling system shall be evaluated for water intensive operations Implementation of the bluesign® SYSTEM is safeguarded by regular reporting of resource key figures and a holistic eKPI (environmental key performance indicator) Assessment including benchmarking and evaluation of resource saving potentials.

Referenzdokumente:

bluesign® SYSTEM - Page 4; bluesign® CRITERIA for production sites - Page 16; bluesign® CRITERIA for production site - Rating matrix Manufacturer - Page 7

Excerpt from standard:

11.1.2 Industry specific limit values for wastewater quality are provided in the relevant annexes to this document and shall be fulfilled by the company responsible for direct discharge to the receiving water body. 11.1.3 In the case of indirect discharge to an external WWTP (e.g. industrial or municipal sewage plant), the following measures shall be applied by the bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER: Documentation on the external WWTP shall be available (address, process description, contract including limits for incoming wastewater, limits for final discharge to the receiving water body applicable to the WWTP); Limits according to contract shall be met; If the wastewater contains contaminants which cannot be treated by the external WWTP, on-site pre-treatment for the respective parameters shall be performed; Communication procedure in case of abnormal conditions of the discharged wastewater, including the contact person, shall be defined; The final discharge of the external WWTP should not exceed the limit values of the bluesign requirements for direct discharge of the respective manufacturer category.

Referenzdokumente:

11.1.2 Production wastewater management - direct discharge/ 11.1.3 Production wastewater management - Indirect discharge

Excerpt from standard:

The limit values and sampling requirements for direct wastewater discharge are compiled in Table 4.1. The approach described here is valid for manufacturers of textiles with a wastewater volume > 5 m³/day. For sites with a smaller wastewater volume, an individual approach will be defined together with the bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER.

Referenzdokumente:

4.3.2 Direct wastewater discharge

Excerpt from standard:

4.3.2 The limit values and sampling requirements for direct wastewater discharge are compiled in Table 4.1. The approach described here is valid for manufacturers of textiles with a wastewater volume > 5 m³/day. For sites with a smaller wastewater volume, an individual approach will be defined together with the bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER. 4.4 For indirect discharge of wastewater (final treatment, e.g. in an industrial park wastewater treatment plant), the bluesign® CRITERIA for production sites shall be applied. Furthermore, the following measurements shall be conducted before discharge to third party treatment.

Referenzdokumente:

4.3.2 Direct wastewater discharge/ 4.4 Indirect wastewater discharge

Excerpt from standard:

4.3.2 The limit values and sampling requirements for direct wastewater discharge are compiled in Table 4.1. The approach described here is valid for manufacturers of textiles with a wastewater volume > 5 m³/day. For sites with a smaller wastewater volume, an individual approach will be defined together with the bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER. 4.4 For indirect discharge of wastewater (final treatment, e.g. in an industrial park wastewater treatment plant), the bluesign® CRITERIA for production sites shall be applied. Furthermore, the following measurements shall be conducted before discharge to third party treatment.

Referenzdokumente:

4.3.2 Direct wastewater discharge/ 4.4 Indirect wastewater discharge

Excerpt from standard:

This guidance sheet summarizes the requirements for input stream management at manufacturers regarding non-chemical raw materials and intermediates. (p.1) If testing is required, it is a responsibility of the manufacturer to organize random testing or to request meaningful and complete test results from the supplier. (p.2) Impurities that natural fibres are tested for: APEO (APEO might be contained in spinning oils, sizing agents etc.) (p.2), banned dyes and pigments; impurities from pigments and dyes (p.3), for cotton: pesticides (p. 4), for rubber: Vulcanization accelerators (e.g. Mercaptobenzothiazole), sensitizing proteins in natural rubber (p.4), for wool: Chlorinated wool, Permethrin (biocides), Scoured wool (APEO), After Chrome dyed wool (p. 5), silk weighted/loaded, degummed (p. 5), for linen: pesticides (p. 6), for Down and feathers: Pre-washed down and feathers/APEO; sterilized materials/preservatives (p. 6)

Referenzdokumente:

Guidance Sheet on raw material input stream management, p. 2-6 (table)

Excerpt from standard:

The bluesign® CRITERIA for fiber manufacturing define specific requirements for the manufacuturing of man-made fibers derived from natural and chemical sources (e.g. VOC management and solvent recovery for dry spinning or wet spinning, Antimony content in polyester, N2O & caprolactam emissions for polyamide production processes, other wastewater and air emission limits, [...])

Referenzdokumente:

Page 2-7

Excerpt from standard:

'Preference is given to recycled materials. Paper and card boards should come from FSC certified sources or should be made of recycled materials' Labeling bluesign® APPROVED recycled fibers as recycled is only valid when recycled content is ◼ traceable back to the reprocessing of the feedstock; ◼ certified by recycling standards (e.g. GRS (Global Recycled Standard) or SC Global Services (Recycled Content Certification). PVC content in recycled fibers shall be below 500 ppm. A bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER shall purchase recycled materials if possible.Recycled materials can primarily reduce resource consumption and should therefore be used by bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNERS where feasible. Recycled materials can be pre-consumer recycled or post-consumer recycled. Especially in the second case it must be kept in mind that there is little knowledge about the sources and hardly any traceability. Therefore, these inputs shall under the responsibility of the system partner be subject to an input testing program for typically expected contaminations. A suitable test plan and documentation shall be generated. Packaging material shall be reduced; the use of returnable containers and recycled materials is strongly recommended.

Referenzdokumente:

bluesign® CRITERIA for production sites - Page 12,22; bluesign® CRITERIA for production sites ANNEX: Fiber manufacturing - Page 7

Excerpt from standard:

Suitable input stream management and adequate process control shall be in place to ensure that ◼ the final product is of defined quality; ◼ the manufacturing process conforms to the legal requirements and the bluesign® CRITERIA; ◼ both the manufacturing process and the final product have the least possible impact on people and the environment. [...] Good sourcing criteria can prevent the input of unwanted substances into the manufacturing process. A system partner shall perform regular quality assurance procedures and seek alternative materials and processes that minimize environmental, resource and human impacts. [...] Color fastness to saliva and perspiration can be relevant for articles with potential risk for mouthing and/or exposure to babies. Colors must be fast to saliva and perspiration according BSSL.

Referenzdokumente:

Bluesign® criteria for production sites - Page 11, 29; BSSL - Page 8; Audit Evaluation Tool - key 281- 284 (Quality Assurance for finished products)

Excerpt from standard:

Monitoring: Most important resource figures known for company level. (Ratring matrix, p. 6) As the world population continues to grow and available resources are shrinking in some regions, responsible management of resources is becoming not only an environmental consideration but also an ethical consideration. The focus on preservation of human health and a clean environment by effectively and efficiently managing water, energy, chemicals and raw materials during production is the goal for all bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNERS. They must aim to reduce their environmental footprint in terms of as energy and material input per kilogram of manufactured product. The bluesign® SYSTEM helps optimize process efficiency by minimizing both energy and material input. The first step is to evaluate the available data about water, energy, chemicals and raw materials consumption. This is followed by an in-depth analysis and benchmarking of the results compared to publicly available data and numbers shared by other system partners. Finally, BLUESIGN provides solutions on potential resource efficiency improvements that are supported by corresponding Best Available Techniques (BAT). Energy 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 for renewable energy sources. Energy saving shall be part ofthe corporate policy.The following main principles shall be adopted: Energy efficiency shall be a major focus of energy intensive operations. Furthermore, the energy needed to operate the installations shall be generated in a sustainable and resource conserving manner, with a preference for renewable energy sources. Energy saving and minimizing the company’s carbon footprint shall be part of corporate policy. The following main principles shall be adopted: ◼ Environmentally friendly fuel types shall be used, and the share of environmentally friendly fuels shall be increased continually; internal targets shall be defined and monitored ◼ Metering of energy usage on a monthly basis and at least at the company level; major consumption of machines, units and facilities shall be monitored separately (e.g. dryers, reactors, WWTP) ◼ Internal and external benchmarking of absolute and specific energy consumption and CO2 emissions at least annually and at the company level ◼ Use of heat exchangers to recover residual thermal energy from water and off-gas ◼ Evaluation of co-generation (combined heat and power) for dye houses ◼ Use of excess production heat for heating of office buildings or for supply to external parties ◼ Use of indirect cooling instead of injection cooling ◼ Insulation of heated machines and pipes ◼ Reuse of steam condensate

Referenzdokumente:

bluesign® SYSTEM - Page 4; bluesign® CRITERIA for production sites - Page 16-17; Fact Sheet: Environmental Key Performance Indicators (eKPIs) at manufacturing plants

Excerpt from standard:

The following requirements apply: ◼ Compliance with national and/or local regulations pertaining to waste storage and transport shall be ensured ◼ Standard operating procedures for waste management shall be established at each production site ◼ A waste balance shall be generated on a yearly basis, including an overview of waste types, quantity, disposal methods, etc. The documents and reports, including third party records from waste management companies, shall be archived ◼ Packaging material shall be reduced; the use of returnable containers and recycled materials is strongly recommended ◼ Unavoidable waste shall be collected separately to enable re-use/recycling or to ensure safe disposal ◼ Workers shall be informed about the applicable waste management procedures ◼ 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 the transport and disposal of hazardous waste ◼ Disposal of waste shall ensure that contamination of soil and (ground) water is avoided ◼ Landfill shall be avoided as far as possible (if it cannot be avoided, only officially controlled landfill sites shall be used; no on-site landfill)

Referenzdokumente:

11.4.1 Waste management

Excerpt from standard:

Systematic efforts to reduce waste (including hazardous waste), separation of all relevant waste types If waste is generated, the type of waste has to be identified in order to allow for safe handling, storage and disposal or re-use and recycling. In contrast to substances/mixtures, GHS labeling can normally not be applied for waste (except discarded chemicals). Therefore the properties of the waste have to be assessed by the company itself. Most importantly it needs to be assessed if the waste is hazardous. Furthermore the waste needs to be allocated to a defined waste category according to local legislation. A waste balance shall be generated on a yearly basis, including an overview of waste types, quantity, disposal methods, etc. The documents and reports, including third party records from waste management companies, shall be archived.

Referenzdokumente:

Rating matrix, p. 12 bluesign® CRITERIA for production sites - Page 22; Guidance sheet: Waste management

Excerpt from standard:

A bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER shall apply measures for site/process internal recycling of materials. Unavoidable waste shall be collected separately to enable re-use/recycling or to ensure safe disposal. For every “waste” where re-use and recycling is possible, necessary arrangements internally and externally shall be made in order to reduce resource consumption and amounts of waste.

Referenzdokumente:

11.4 Waste; Guidance sheet: Waste management

Excerpt from standard:

The following requirements apply: ◼ Compliance with national and/or local regulations pertaining to waste storage and transport shall be ensured ◼ Standard operating procedures for waste management shall be established at each production site ◼ A waste balance shall be generated on a yearly basis, including an overview of waste types, quantity, disposal methods, etc. The documents and reports, including third party records from waste management companies, shall be archived ◼ Packaging material shall be reduced; the use of returnable containers and recycled materials is strongly recommended ◼ Unavoidable waste shall be collected separately to enable re-use/recycling or to ensure safe disposal ◼ Workers shall be informed about the applicable waste management procedures ◼ 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 the transport and disposal of hazardous waste ◼ Disposal of waste shall ensure that contamination of soil and (ground) water is avoided ◼ Landfill shall be avoided as far as possible (if it cannot be avoided, only officially controlled landfill sites shall be used; no on-site landfill)

Referenzdokumente:

11.4.1 Waste management

Excerpt from standard:

The following requirements apply: ◼ Compliance with national and/or local regulations pertaining to waste storage and transport shall be ensured ◼ Standard operating procedures for waste management shall be established at each production site ◼ A waste balance shall be generated on a yearly basis, including an overview of waste types, quantity, disposal methods, etc. The documents and reports, including third party records from waste management companies, shall be archived ◼ Packaging material shall be reduced; the use of returnable containers and recycled materials is strongly recommended ◼ Unavoidable waste shall be collected separately to enable re-use/recycling or to ensure safe disposal ◼ Workers shall be informed about the applicable waste management procedures ◼ 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 the transport and disposal of hazardous waste ◼ Disposal of waste shall ensure that contamination of soil and (ground) water is avoided ◼ Landfill shall be avoided as far as possible (if it cannot be avoided, only officially controlled landfill sites shall be used; no on-site landfill)

Referenzdokumente:

11.4.1 Waste management

Excerpt from standard:

[...] Hazardous waste shall be disposed of separately from non-hazardous waste. Only licensed subcontractors shall be contracted for the transport and disposal of hazardous waste [...]

Referenzdokumente:

11.4.1 Waste management; Guidance sheet: Waste management - Page 2-5

Excerpt from standard:

Waste incineration shall only be applied for waste types that cannot be recycled. Waste incineration shall generally only take place in specified and officially accredited waste incineration plants. Under the following conditions, on-site waste incineration can be tolerated as an exception: ◼ A permit for incineration which explicitly and precisely lists the waste types and conditions for incineration must be available ◼ An appropriate off-gas treatment system must be installed ◼ A temperature of 850°C (1100°C for waste with chlorine content above 1%) and a treatment time greater than two seconds shall be achieved by the incineration system ◼ Extensive and regular off-gas measurements, including the parameters dioxins and furans, must be conducted; the goal is to not exceed 0.1 ng/m3 for off-gas and 0.3 ng/L for wastewater discharge from exhaust gas cleaning ◼ Excellent know-how regarding the process management and process control must be demonstrated ◼ Appropriate disposal of ash can be demonstrated

Referenzdokumente:

11.4.3 Waste incineration

Excerpt from standard:

Landfill shall be avoided as far as possible (if it cannot be avoided, only officially controlled landfill sites shall be used; no on-site landfill) 11.4.2 Sludge shall not be disposed of in uncontrolled landfills

Referenzdokumente:

11.4.1 Waste management /11.4.2 Disposal of sludge from wastewater treatment

Excerpt from standard:

11.1.4 Fecal sludge shall be collected and treated by third party disposal companies 11.4.1 [...] Hazardous waste shall be disposed of separately from non-hazardous waste. Only licensed subcontractors shall be contracted for the transport and disposal of hazardous waste [...]

Referenzdokumente:

11.1.4 Domestic sewage management/ 11.4.1 Waste management

Excerpt from standard:

Installations used to prevent emissions or, where this is not practicable, to reduce emissions shall not shift pollution between the different environmental media. Reduction of air emissions and maintenance of an odor-free atmosphere with the goal of achieving the best possible air quality should be ensured. Air emissions apply to: ◼ Captured emissions (emission ports) (e.g. stack emissions; can be treated or untreated) ◼ Fugitive emissions (emissions which are not captured but occur by evaporation during application, leaks, etc.) bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNERS shall apply the following measures: ◼ Establish and maintain an inventory list of all emission ports (captured air emissions) ◼ Establish an inventory of ozone depleting substances at the site (including types and amounts) ◼ In case of relevant emissions, off-gas treatment systems need to be installed and operated properly ◼ Monitoring of emissions shall be conducted according to local/national legal requirements ◼ Compliance with local/national legal requirements shall be present and demonstrated

Referenzdokumente:

bluesign® CRITERIA for production sites V3.0 - 11.2 Air emissions; Guidance sheet: Air emissions management - VOC - complete document; Guidance sheet: Air emissions management - textile finishing - complete document; Fact sheet: Emission factor concept - complete document;

Excerpt from standard:

For finishing and heat setting processes, the emission factor concept shall be applied (see Guidance Sheet Air emission management textile finishing). The aim of the concept is to minimize the air pollution potential of the applied textile auxiliaries and thus minimize emissions to air. A further aim of the concept is to obtain better transparency, knowledge, and control of the emissions associated with textile finishing. Normally, emissions are regulated by mass concentrations (mg substance per m³ off-gas) and mass flows (g substance per h). The emission factor concept defines substance emission factors and textile substrate-based emission factors. The following limit values are defined by the emission factor concept:◼ TOC □ mass flow: 0.8 kg TOC/h or □ emission factor: 0.8 g TOC/kg textile ◼ Organic substances listed in Guidance Sheet - Air emissions management - textile finishing: □ mass flow: 0.1 kg substance/h or □ emission factor: 0.4 g substance/kg textile. If off-gas emissions exceed the limit values stated above or if neighborhood complaints arise or if the production site is located within a nature protection area, suitable off-gas cleaning shall be installed. However, process integrated optimization should always have priority. If raw fixation (heat-setting of synthetic textile materials prior to washing) or fixation of polyamide 6 or polyacrylonitrile (or blends with elastane) plays a significant role (greater 20% of production volume at stenters), it is to be expected that an off-gas cleaning device is essential. System partners shall aim at applying the BAT of washing the synthetic textile materials prior to thermal treatment. For finishing processes at stenters an air/textile ratio of 20 Nm3/kg textile shall be the goal. For singeing a dust emission lower than 20 mg/Nm3 shall be the goal. For VOC relevant processes see bluesign® CRITERIA for production sites Annex: VOC management. Regular maintenance and cleaning of dryers and stenters (especially burners for direct heating) is strongly recommended to ensure proper function and reduce emissions (e.g. methane in gas fired direct heated stenters) and the risk of cross contamination.

Referenzdokumente:

bluesign® CRITERIA for production sites - ANNEX: Textile Manufacturer - Page 7-8; Guidance sheet: Air emissions management - textile - complete document; Fact sheet: Emission factor concept - complete document

Excerpt from standard:

As a minimum requirement, the bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER shall comply with applicable local and national labor legislation and other legislation in the fields of social standards (e.g. minimum wage, maternity protection), Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S), environment and consumer safety. Therefore, awareness and understanding of these requirements, as well as an overview with regard to current laws and regulations, should be systematically addressed by the management system. Valid permits shall be available at the site. Legally binding requirements that are stronger or more detailed than the bluesign® CRITERIA will supersede these, and vice versa.

Referenzdokumente:

Page 5

Excerpt from standard:

A valid permit from all applicable governing agencies is a prerequisite for direct discharge allowance. p. 16; By way of exception an on-site waste incineration at production sites can be tolerated. In this case the permit for incineration must explicitly and precisely list the conditions for incineration.p. 19

Referenzdokumente:

p. 16: 10.1 Wastewater, p.19: 10.4 Waste, p.8: 4 Legal Compliance

Excerpt from standard:

A management system shall address risks and opportunities associated with its context and objectives. All bluesign SYSTEM PARTNERS shall implement a proper environmental management system that helps reduce the impacts of production on the environment. It shall be focused on: ◼ Objectives related to environmental aspects ◼ Implementation of input stream management and chemicals management principles ◼ Structured collection of statistics on resource consumptions and emissions ◼ Suitable metering and collection of data ◼ Definition of suitable eKPIs for the main consumptions, environmental performance parameters and emissions ◼ Increasing environmental competences in the company ◼ How emissions (air, water, waste, noise, etc.) are managed, monitored and compliance is ensured ◼ Environmental performance as a selection criterion when purchasing machines and installations ◼ Avoiding unproductive energy consumptions ◼ Increasing the share of renewable energies [...] A system partner shall perform Environmental risk assessment for its operation in the context of proper implementation of an environmental managagement system (A certified management system according ISO 14001 is therefore recommended) ◼ Environmental and safety risk assessment of the chemical storage area(s) ◼ Workplace risk assessments for safety of employees ◼ In case of major accidents hazards (e.g. major emissions, fire or explosion) evaluation of impact to the surroundings and local community and evaluation of prevention and mitigation measures [...] Risk assessments have to be performed periodically or before significant changes in existing operation (including chemicals, processes and technical equipment) or before new operations.

Referenzdokumente:

bluesign® CRITERIA for production sites - Page 8-9; Page 25-27; Guidance Sheet: Risk Assessment and Risk management

Excerpt from standard:

Excerpt from standard:

Generally, all bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNERS shall prohibit all forms of physical and verbal abuse, intimidation, sexual harassment and abusive punishment or disciplinary measures. A bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER shall establish clear employment relationships by providing a written employment contract to each employee and shall work against corruption in all its forms. Further, a bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER shall confirm, by agreement, compliance with the following principles and rights at work from selected International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions:[...] II. Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected in accordance with the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention (No. 87) and the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No. 98) • For furthering and defending their interests, workers or employers are enabled to form organizations. Also, a worker shall be able to join an organization while being protected against acts of anti-union discrimination in respect of their employment by their employer, that has an open attitude towards the activities of trade unions and their organisational activities.

Referenzdokumente:

5.1.1 Social responsibility

Excerpt from standard:

Generally, all bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNERS shall prohibit all forms of physical and verbal abuse, intimidation, sexual harassment and abusive punishment or disciplinary measures. A bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER shall establish clear employment relationships by providing a written employment contract to each employee and shall work against corruption in all its forms. Further, a bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER shall confirm, by agreement, compliance with the following principles and rights at work from selected International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions:[...] II. Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected in accordance with the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention (No. 87) and the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No. 98) • For furthering and defending their interests, workers or employers are enabled to form organizations. Also, a worker shall be able to join an organization while being protected against acts of anti-union discrimination in respect of their employment by their employer, that has an open attitude towards the activities of trade unions and their organisational activities.

Referenzdokumente:

5.1.1 Social responsibility

Excerpt from standard:

I. Employment is freely chosen in accordance with the Forced Labour Convention (No. 29) and the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No. 105) • There is neither forced or compulsory labour in the sense of work or service, nor are workers obliged to store their identity papers with their employer. Workers shall be free to terminate their employment after reasonable notice.

Referenzdokumente:

5.1.1 Social responsibility

Excerpt from standard:

Child labour shall not be used, in accordance with the Minimum Age Convention (No. 138) and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182) • There shall be no new recruitment of child labour. Further, persons younger than 18 years shall not be employed at night or in hazardous conditions.

Referenzdokumente:

5.1.1 Social responsibility

Excerpt from standard:

A bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER shall confirm, by agreement, compliance with the following principles and rights at work from selected International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions: [...] Child labour shall not be used, in accordance with the Minimum Age Convention (No. 138) and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182) • There shall be no new recruitment of child labour. Further, persons younger than 18 years shall not be employed at night or in hazardous conditions.

Referenzdokumente:

Bluesign® SYSTEM - Page 16; Bluesign® CRITERIA for production sites - Page 6

Excerpt from standard:

No discrimination is practised, in accordance with the Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100) and the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (No. 111)

Referenzdokumente:

5.1.1 Social responsibility

Excerpt from standard:

Generally, all bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNERS shall prohibit all forms of physical and verbal abuse, intimidation, sexual harassment and abusive punishment or disciplinary measures. A bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER shall establish clear employment relationships by providing a written employment contract to each employee and shall work against corruption in all its forms. Further, a bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER shall confirm, by agreement, compliance with the following principles and rights at work from selected International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions:[...] V. No discrimination is practised, in accordance with the Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100) and the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (No. 111) • There is no form of discrimination, e.g. in hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement, based on race, caste, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, social background, or any other condition that could give rise to discrimination.

Referenzdokumente:

5.1.1 Social responsibility

Excerpt from standard:

Generally, all bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNERS shall prohibit all forms of physical and verbal abuse, intimidation, sexual harassment and abusive punishment or disciplinary measures. A bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER shall establish clear employment relationships by providing a written employment contract to each employee and shall work against corruption in all its forms.

Referenzdokumente:

5 Social responsibility

Excerpt from standard:

ethical handling regarding freshwater

Referenzdokumente:

Bluesign Criteria for production sites p. 14, 9.2 Freshwater and p. 7 Guiding principles