January 30, 2026
Too often, the workwear industry’s dialogue on sustainability stops at the surface level: is it organic cotton? Is it recycled polyester? While these are essential first steps, they do not tell the whole story. The true environmental impact of a garment lies much deeper in the supply chain. This is where the bluesign system becomes the critical differentiator. It ensures that the final product is not just "green" in name, but safe for both people and the planet in reality.
Founded in Switzerland in 2000, bluesign sets a global benchmark for responsible and sustainable textile production. The bluesign System takes a holistic approach across the entire supply chain, addressing specifically chemical safety, resource efficiency, environmental impact, and occupational health and safety.
For high-performance industries such as workwear, bluesign enables the elimination of hazardous substances at the very beginning of the manufacturing process through input stream management. This ensures safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible production—without compromising durability, protection, or performance.
By supporting compliance beyond regulations such as REACH, PPE requirements, and evolving ESG expectations, bluesign offers a transparent and credible framework. J-Long embarked on this journey together with bluesign in 2016, and we are proud to get the bluesign Approved label which stands for a long-term commitment to safer, more sustainable workwear.
J-Long is proud to be one of the early adopters of bluesign. ‘Becoming a bluesign System Partner was a milestone for us, representing a long-term commitment to safer, more sustainable workwear,” explains Edwin Wong, CEO, J-Long.
“While its roots are in Switzerland, J-Long’s history with bluesign is a direct response to the evolving standards of our client base. It is no coincidence, in the context of the textile, workwear, and safety industries standards, Germany is at the forefront of it. Our German customers were early adopters of the concept, and aligning with these standards. But we didn't just see this as a single request; but a signal of a fundamental shift in the industry towards sustainability. That is why we didn't wait—we proactively applied for bluesign,”explains Kim Christensen, Sales Director - EMEA & North America, J-Long.
At J-Long, we differentiate ourselves with bluesign assessed factories. While many competitors struggle to balance high technical standards with cost, we are able to deliver certified quality at a very competitive price point. This success is driven by our strong global infrastructure, anchored by our Headquarters in Hong Kong and supported by a dedicated sales network across Europe and key international markets.
Sustainability isn't just being talked about anymore in the workwear industry - the pace has accelerated in the last year. We are witnessing industry leaders from leading workwear brands establish rigorous new standards with clear strategic goals: to achieve bluesign System Partner status across their entire product portfolios—covering both high-performance consumer ski gear and industrial workwear—by 2028. For brands operating at this level of ambition, finding a supply partner capable of meeting these targets is no longer optional; it is a strategic necessity.
The demand comes from the European Commission. We cannot allow toxic things to run out into our sewers and rivers, and we cannot allow harmful fabrics to touch people's bodies. We need to protect them. bluesign is the answer to this demand, serving as the verified solution for brands looking to future-proof their supply chains and guarantee safety for the end-user.
“In Europe, the shift toward sustainability is dramatic. It is no longer just a request; it is a requirement. By having these pillars in place—by making it part of our DNA—we don't just sell a product; we sell peace of mind. We answer the questions before they are even asked,"explains Kim.
