Sole Maker Vibram Joins Bluesign as Systems Partner
Rubber footwear sole company Vibram has become a Bluesign systems partner, the Swiss material verification firm announced Wednesday.
The development marks a milestone in their joint effort to bolster sustainable innovation within the footwear sector, Bluesign said. The collaborative relationship began two years ago when they worked together to analyze the industry’s basic chemical requirements, from internal operations to raw material usage, amassing data from suppliers that highlighted the hazardous substances typically used in footwear production. Following that outreach, Vibram and Bluesign worked with chemical suppliers to develop strategies to reduce or replace the use of harmful compounds in footwear components.
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Vibram global sustainability director Marco Guazzoni said the exercise has given the footwear firm a better understanding of its own chemical usage, prompting it to review its Restricted Substances Policy. “Bluesign’s methodology is among the most demanding in sustainability for textiles,” he added. “Vibram aims to contribute its expertise to create a potential standard method for footwear that adds value to our industry, rather than penalizing it.”
Now, they have jointly committed to working together to analyze and certify the inputs in Vibram’s Component Shoe, a glue-free footwear design featuring Ecostep Recycle, a compound made with 30 percent recycled Vibram rubber, and Ecostep Natural, made with 90 percent natural, non-synthetic ingredients. Vibram said the shoe embodies its commitment to eco-design, along with its mission to use recycled materials and reduce production waste.
“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,” Vibram group compliance manager Igor Brassini said. “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.”
“By offering expertise in chemical management, our mission is to reduce environmental impact and provide critical knowledge for making essential changes,” added Bluesign CEO Daniel Rüfenacht.
