Counselor Top 40 supplier SanMar (asi/84863) has joined bluesign as a System Partner, a move the company says underscores its commitment to sustainable manufacturing and responsible chemical management.

SanMar (asi/84863) has long had a focus on sustainability. In 2020, it released a line of 100% recycled tees and fleece, which included the District Re-Tee (DT8000).

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By becoming a bluesign partner, SanMar links with a global network of companies dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of textile production. Integrating bluesign standards into its supply chain will ensure that it continues to meet the highest environmental and safety criteria, aligning with the company’s long-term sustainability goals, according to SanMar.

Daniel Rüfenacht, CEO of bluesign technologies, called SanMar’s decision “a testament to their dedication to sustainability and responsible manufacturing.” He added: “Their leadership in the promotional products sector makes this partnership particularly significant. We are proud to support SanMar in their journey toward a more sustainable future, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on the industry.”

Bluesign says it offers a solution for sustainable textile production by eliminating harmful substances from the beginning of the manufacturing process and setting and controlling standards for environmentally friendly and safe production. Since its founding in 2000, bluesign has partnered with over 850 manufacturers, brands and chemical suppliers worldwide.

“The awareness and importance of sustainability is growing within our industry, and we’re excited to add bluesign to our bench,” said Emily Gigot, senior manager of sustainability at SanMar. “We look forward to leveraging the bluesign system and their team of experts to improve our programs and to continue providing our customers with products made to the highest environmental standards.”

SanMar’s partnership with bluesign comes as a push toward more sustainable practices continues to grow in the promo market. Earlier this month, Eagan, MN-based apparel supplier Storm Creek (asi/89879) announced that it had formally partnered with the sustainable textile certifier, pledging to use only bluesign-approved fabrics by the end of next year.

SanMar ranked first on Counselor’s most recent list of the top suppliers in the promotional products industry, with estimated 2023 revenue of $3.6 billion.

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