Fashion Industry Revisits bluesign’s 25-Year-Old Data System

As fashion brands expand investments in traceability tools, PLM systems, and sustainability data platforms, attention is shifting to the quality of the data that supports these technologies. Industry discussions increasingly focus on systems capable of providing verified, primary information on manufacturing processes rather than relying solely on finished product assessments.

bluesign operates a system established more than 25 years ago that is based on the collection and validation of primary manufacturing data. Instead of focusing only on final products, the system works directly with manufacturers to evaluate production processes over time. This includes monitoring chemical inputs, materials, energy consumption, water impact, and worker safety at different stages of manufacturing.

The system was developed before regulatory requirements, digital product passports, and large-scale traceability platforms became industry priorities. Current regulatory developments are now requiring brands to report on detailed process-level information, reinforcing the limitations of relying only on final product testing to determine environmental and social impact.

At the same time, manufacturers are being asked to submit multiple data declarations to different customers using varying formats. According to Mark Eldridge from bluesign’s product management team, brands are seeking “one version of the truth”: a single data foundation that can be used across markets, partners, and technology systems.

bluesign’s approach is increasingly being referenced as infrastructure that can support carbon accounting tools, traceability platforms, and future digital product passport systems. Eldridge stated: “All of these new platforms are beautiful engines, but without high-quality data, they have no fuel.”

The system was not developed in response to current regulatory pressure but was structured around process-based data from its inception. As regulatory frameworks evolve, industry requirements are aligning more closely with this model, which links impact assessment to manufacturing practices rather than end-product evaluation.

The organisation has indicated that further discussions with its commercial leadership are planned to address how brands interpret credible data, how long-standing systems relate to upcoming regulations, and how consistent data structures can reduce reporting complexity across supply chains.