Page 60 - TEXtalks October/November 2021

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Bluesign® introduces management and

phase-out concept for critical solvents

A significant reduction in the use

and emissions of CMR solvents
is expected when the concept is
fully implemented by bluesign®

SYSTEM PARTNER companies
before the end of 2024.

The concept is being launched as part of Bluesign’s bluesign® System Partner companies.
strong commitment to reducing impact on people In compliance with existing guidelines as well as the
Swiss Review In the textile industry, volatile organic compounds guideline for the next few years, bluesign® SYSTEM
and planet, improving occupational health and safety,
CMR solvent concept, which will become the
and providing the highest level of consumer safety.
PARTNER companies have full responsibility for
(VOCs) are used for various purposes, such as
non-regrettable substitution of these substances and
polyurethane coating and laminating. Requirements
must switch to less hazardous solvents. Using
regarding VOCs have already been implemented
water-based solvents is a possible route for
successfully for several years by bluesign® SYSTEM
PARTNER companies, based on the bluesign®
If for performance reasons the use of a CMR solvent
CRITERIA. substitution.
is currently unavoidable and the solvent is not
In addition to its existing approach to hazardous banned by Bluesign, companies must fulfill one of
chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the following requirements based on the CMR solvent
Bluesign is now introducing a solvent management concept:
and phase-out concept for CMR solvents in • Install an off-gas abatement system with an
cooperation with stakeholders. efficiency for CMR solvent(s) of at least 95% or a
TOC concentration in the off-gas of less than 10
CMR substances are chemical substances of mg/m³ (all relevant emission ports) or
specific concern due to the long-term and serious • Install a recycling system with an efficiency for CMR
impact they may have on human health. These solvents of 95% or more.
substances can be carcinogenic (having the potential
to cause cancer), mutagenic (causing DNA CMR solvent concept implementation has the
mutations), or toxic for reproduction (affecting the following deadlines:
fertility of adults). The specific solvents of concern are • By the end of 2022, bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER
N,N-dimethylformamide (DMFa), N, companies demonstrate full implementation of the
N-dimethylacetamide, NMP, NEP, and toluene. concept or must provide a detailed improvement
plan.
The CMR solvent phase-out concept applies to all • By the end of 2024 all bluesign® SYSTEM
bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER companies PARTNER companies must demonstrate full
manufacturing articles with such solvents (e.g. implementation of the concept.
coaters and laminators). A single medium-sized
coating company uses about 700t of DMF and 200t Progress in CMR solvent management will be
of toluene annually. A significant reduction in the use monitored by Bluesign through regular on-site
and emissions of CMR solvents can therefore be assessments and further specific follow-up. Bluesign
expected when the concept is implemented by will inform on the progress.

October/November 2021