Bluefinder helps Nike go green

Nike has joined an innovative partnership that can more quickly clean up its supply chain by giving the company easy access to sustainable materials and chemicals. Through Switzerland-based Bluesign Technologies -- which has created a tool for improving supply chains in the textile industry -- Nike's suppliers will have access to online tools that help them find the most sustainable materials available.

In 2011 Nike announced it would eliminate all releases of hazardous chemicals across its global supply chain by 2020. Using the "bluefinder" tool, a supplier can access pre-screened and more sustainable textile preparations -- including dye systems, detergents and other process chemicals used in the manufacturing process. It enables suppliers to effectively manage restricted substances and provides the opportunity to increase water and energy efficiency