(August 2, 2023) Vibram, the global lead producer of high-performance rubber soles and bluesign®, the Swiss material verification solutions firm, are proud to announce the elevation of Vibram to a bluesign system partner. This marks a significant milestone in the fruitful collaboration between the organisations. . The partnership, which began in November 2022, underscores their joint commitment to fostering sustainable practices within the footwear industry.
“The relationship between supply chain partners is often perceived as customer-supplier, involving hidden secrets. However, bluesign, as a neutral party, facilitates easier communication of ingredients and knowledge,” says Igor Brassini, Group Compliance Manager of Vibram. “Today, we are proud to announce our official partnership with bluesign as the first shoe sole manufacturer and the first footwear brand to be represented.”
Durability and quality are keystones of sustainability. Vibram, a pioneer in shoe sole production, is committed to the manufacture of long-lasting, high-quality products. By using recycled materials and significantly reducing production waste, Vibram sets an unparalleled standard for responsible, innovative footwear production.
Over the last two years, the two companies have synergized their distinct strengths, resulting in shared know-how, connecting the footwear industry with the rigorous bluesign Chemical Standard.
“By offering expertise in chemical management, our mission is to reduce environmental impact and provide critical knowledge for making essential changes,” says bluesign CEO Daniel Rüfenacht.
The partnership began with a scientific examination of the basic chemical requirements of the industry, which entailed analyzing internal operations, raw materials, and procedural analyses. The team subsequently gathered specific chemical information from raw material suppliers, which led to an investigation of hazardous substances and collaboration with chemical suppliers to explore reduction and replacement strategies.
This continuing process has helped Vibram enhance its internal procedures, understand its chemical components better, and review its Restricted Substances Policy.
“bluesign’s methodology is among the most demanding in sustainability for textiles. Vibram aims to contribute its expertise to create a potential standard method for footwear that adds value to our industry rather than penalizing it,” states Marco Guazzoni, Global Sustainability Director of Vibram.
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Looking forward, Vibram and bluesign have set an ambitious goal: to analyze and certify Vibram’s Component Shoe. This shoe, which embodies eco-design principles and sustainable practices, will serve as a testament to the footwear sector’s commitment to sustainability at all levels.
About bluesign:
The bluesign® SYSTEM is the solution for sustainable textile production. It eliminates harmful substances right from the start of the manufacturing process, and it sets and controls standards for environmentally friendly and safe production. This not only ensures that the final textile product meets very stringent consumer safety requirements worldwide but also gives consumers confidence in purchasing sustainable products. bluesign technologies ag was founded in 2000. Since then, with over 800 system partners, the bluesign® SYSTEM has been adopted by worldwide leading textile and accessory manufacturers as well as chemical suppliers. Various well-known brands in the outdoor, sportswear and fashion industry partner with Bluesign and trust its extensive knowledge and services to collectively reduce textile industry’s impact on people and the planet.
About VIBRAM:
Vibram is the world leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance rubber soles for outdoor and leisure activities, workwear, fashion, orthopedics, and correction. For more than 80 years the yellow octagon that symbolizes Vibram has been synonymous worldwide with quality, performance, safety, and innovation in the footwear industry. With its international headquarters in Albizzate (Varese) Italy, Vibram produces over 40 million soles every year, dedicates over one million kilometers to testing, is present in 120 countries, and has manufacturing, research, and representation bases in the USA, China, Japan, Brazil, and Italy.
