Bayer and bluesign technologies enter into strategic alliance

Bluesign technologies is a global leader in evaluating the use of chemicals in the textile industry. 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 says it 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, right through to production by certified manufacturers. This approach redefines the idea of collaboration within the value chain, says the company.

“Bayer MaterialScience has been supporting its customers for a long time now in achieving goals of both innovation and sustainability,” explained Nicholas Smith, global head of Textile Coating at Bayer MaterialScience. “With our waterborne, totally solvent-free polyurethane raw materials, users currently can greatly improve industrial hygiene, cut energy consumption by 50 %, and water use by as much as 95 %.”

According to Bayer MaterialScience, the new partnership with bluesign technologies fits in perfectly with its comprehensive sustainability concept, which aims to improve people's lives while at the same time conserving resources and minimising the impact on mankind and the environment.

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 currently 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 minimise 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, says Bayer.