Founded in Switzerland in 2000, bluesign has emerged as a global leader in driving sustainability across the textile and apparel value chain. With a mission to eliminate harmful substances from production and reduce environmental impact, Bluesign works closely with brands, manufacturers, and chemical suppliers to ensure safer, more responsible textile manufacturing. At the core of its approach is the Bluesign System, a comprehensive, science-based framework that focuses on sustainable input management, ensuring that only approved chemicals and processes are used from the very beginning of production. By addressing the entire supply chain rather than just the finished product, Bluesign promotes transparency, resource efficiency, worker safety, and environmental protection. Today, with hundreds of global partners and a strong presence across key manufacturing regions, Bluesign continues to play a pivotal role in helping the textile industry transition toward a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.
Recently, team Textile Focus had an insightful conversation with Barbara Oswald, CCO of Bluesign Technologies AG, about the current global textile market challenges, sustainability practices, and the company’s strategic plans for Bangladesh. A brief discussion is given below for our respected readers.
Textile Focus: How do you see the current situation of the global textile business?
Barbara Oswald: The global textile business is facing significant challenges, much like the overall global economy. Geopolitical tensions, ongoing conflicts, and shifting trade policies, particularly tariffs, are creating uncertainty across the supply chain. Many major brands in Europe and the U.S. source from Asian countries such as China, Bangladesh, and India. However, rising tariffs and fluctuating oil prices, especially influenced by conflicts in the Middle East, are making the situation more complex. That said, these challenges also create opportunities for companies that can adapt, innovate, and differentiate themselves in the market.
Textile Focus: As a certification body, how is Bluesign supporting the textile and chemical industry in ensuring sustainability?
Barbara Oswald: Sustainability is a broad and often misunderstood concept. At Bluesign, we take a holistic approach, addressing sustainability from the very beginning of the production process rather than focusing solely on the end product. We assess everything from raw materials to final output, ensuring environmental responsibility across air emissions, wastewater, and soil, as well as chemical, quality, safety, and social management. Our system covers the entire supply chain, including chemical suppliers, fabric manufacturers, and even accessory producers such as button makers, zipper manufacturers, and polymer producers. The goal is to empower all stakeholders to implement sustainable practices comprehensively.
Textile Focus: Bangladesh is the second-largest RMG exporter with many LEED-certified factories. How is Bluesign supporting textile manufacturers in Bangladesh?
Barbara Oswald: Bangladesh is a key market for us, and we have made significant investments by establishing a strong local presence with expert assessors and technical professionals. We aim to collaborate with industry associations and partners to expand our reach and support more manufacturers. Our focus is to encourage factories to adopt a proactive approach, starting sustainability practices from the beginning of production, rather than relying solely on end-product testing. We emphasize resource efficiency, environmental management, and responsible chemical use, helping manufacturers improve both sustainability performance and operational efficiency.
Textile Focus: What is your next action plan for the Bangladesh market?
Barbara Oswald: Our strategy includes strengthening partnerships, such as our collaboration with Swisscontact, an NGO that supports the Bangladeshi textile sector. We are also focused on increasing awareness of Bluesign standards and expanding our local team to better engage with manufacturers and stakeholders in Bangladesh.
Textile Focus: How many brands are currently working with Bluesign, and how do they influence the supply chain?
Barbara Oswald: We are currently working with more than 100 global brands, primarily in the outdoor segment. These brands play a critical role in driving sustainability, as their sourcing decisions directly influence manufacturing practices. We are now expanding into the fashion sector, particularly targeting brands working with natural fibers. As more brands adopt Bluesign standards, this will gradually create a positive ripple effect across the supply chain, including in Bangladesh.
Textile Focus: Many Bangladeshi manufacturers feel burdened by the need for multiple certifications and consider Bluesign costly. How do you address this concern?
Barbara Oswald: We understand that certification costs can be a concern. While the initial investment in Bluesign may be higher, the long-term benefits often outweigh the costs. Our approach helps manufacturers improve efficiency, optimize resource use, and ensure compliance with global standards, ultimately leading to better business opportunities and profitability. We also strive to reduce duplication by aligning with other frameworks. For example, our assessors are Higgs Index verifiers, allowing combined assessments and reducing the need for multiple audits. Additionally, we are aligning our services with upcoming European regulations, such as requirements for verified sustainability claims and Digital Product Passports (DPP). This ensures that manufacturers working with Bluesign are future-ready and compliant with evolving global standards.
Textile Focus: Could you please share any final thoughts on sustainability?
Barbara Oswald: Sustainability and profitability must go hand in hand. Our goal is to help manufacturers not only meet environmental standards but also achieve long-term business success. By taking a holistic and forward-looking approach, we aim to support the industry in navigating current challenges and building a more sustainable future.
