Articles | In-Depth Analysis

bluesign® in 2024 at the PPAI Summit Kevin Myette will give

Published: September 25, 2024

Author: TEXTILE VALUE CHAIN

New System Partners Storm Creek and SanMar to Participate, Emphasizing Industry Commitment to Sustainability

bluesign®, the global leader in sustainable textile production and chemical management, is poised to make a significant impact at the 2024 PPAI Product Responsibility Summit in Virginia.

The PPAI Product Responsibility Summit is the premier event for promotional products professionals focused on responsible sourcing, safety, and sustainability. The presence of bluesign, along with its influential new partners, signifies a major step forward in reducing environmental impact and promoting ethical business practices across the promotional products landscape.

Kevin Myette, Director of Global Brand Services at bluesign technologies, will deliver the keynote address, focusing on the role of sustainable practices in the promotional products industry. Myette’s extensive experience includes leading product integrity at Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) and co-founding the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, which developed the Higg Index. His industry-wide contributions bring a wealth of knowledge to this pivotal discussion. bluesign’s latest system partners, Storm Creek (https://distributor.stormcreek.com/) and SanMar (www.sanmar.com/), will also participate, highlighting the growing movement towards sustainability within the sector.

Kevin Myette Keynote: Paving the Way for Sustainable Textiles

In his keynote speech, Myette will explore how the bluesign® system empowers companies to integrate responsible chemical management, worker safety, and resource efficiency into their production processes. Myette, who oversees bluesign’s global brand services, is well-known for his leadership in advancing sustainability in the outdoor and apparel industries. His work with the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and Sustainable Apparel Coalition makes him a respected voice on these critical issues.

“As the promotional products industry embraces more sustainable practices, we are excited to share how bluesign is driving transformative change through collaboration with leading brands,” said Myette. “Our partnerships with Storm Creek and SanMar showcase how adopting responsible practices can significantly reduce environmental impact.”

Joined by new bluesign system partners Storm Creek and SanMar: Champions of Sustainable Promotional Products

Storm Creek and SanMar, two major players in the U.S. promotional products industry, have recently joined the bluesign® system as partners, reflecting their deep commitment to environmentally friendly production practices.

Storm Creek, a WBENC-certified woman-owned business and a 1% for the Planet partner, has committed to using 100% bluesign® approved fabrics by 2025. The company’s 2024 Everyday Eco catalog already features products made from upcycled materials, with water conservation practices and zero harmful chemicals.

“We are incredibly proud to be the first U.S. promotional products manufacturer to join the bluesign® system,” said Teresa Fudenberg, CEO of Storm Creek. “This partnership allows us to strengthen our sustainability mission and deliver high-quality products that benefit both people and the planet.”

SanMar, another significant supplier in the promotional products market, is also integrating bluesign® standards into its supply chain, ensuring its products meet the highest environmental and safety benchmarks.

“We believe that partnering with bluesign® will help us set a new standard for sustainability in the promotional products industry. We are committed to delivering responsibly manufactured products that align with our customers’ sustainability goals,” said a SanMar representative.

Interviews Available:

Kevin Myette of bluesign®
Doug Jackson, president and founder of the Storm Creek brand, and has been developing outdoor-inspired apparel for 35+ years. A true product visionary, Doug made his first jacket from upcycled bottles over twelve years ago. In 2020, he completed Storm Creek’s transition to a fully eco-made lifestyle apparel line. Doug continues to foster deep relationships with the highest quality, sustainable and responsible production partners.
Emily Gigot is a Seattle-based corporate sustainability leader at SanMar, in her role at SanMar, as their Sr. Sustainability Manager, she partners with teams across the organization to make a positive impact in the communities where they do business. Emily has diverse experience spanning apparel, international community development and sustainability.