Contact person
Blåbær Production – from chemical crisis to PFAS-free production
Many companies face the challenge of managing chemical issues that are becoming increasingly complex due to new regulations and rising expectations for transparency. For Blåbær Production AS, a chemical crisis in 2015 marked the starting point for a change in their way of working. Through collaboration with the Chemicals Group at RISE, the company has built up knowledge, structures, and processes to work more systematically with chemical management.
From crisis to change
“Never let a good crisis go to waste.” For Blåbær Production AS, a Norwegian design and production company based in Bergen with four employees developing clothes, shoes, and textiles for children and babies, 2015 became such a turning point. That year, the Norwegian Environment Agency found prohibited chemicals in Reflex, Norway’s largest children’s clothing brand and Blåbær’s biggest customer – a finding that was also highlighted in the media. With limited resources, the situation was a challenge for the company, but it also revealed the need to work in a more structured way with chemical management.
– We had broad experience in design and product development, but our knowledge of chemicals was limited since this had not been a focus area, explains co-founder and CEO Rolf-Erik Lund.
Knowledge and structure with RISE
To build up competence, Blåbær joined the RISE Chemicals Group. The collaboration provided knowledge, structure, and practical tools to better understand risk substances and regulatory requirements.
– It has given us a much stronger basis for setting clear and knowledge-based requirements for suppliers, including those outside Europe, says Rolf-Erik.
The work began on a small scale with new requirements for suppliers and greater emphasis on risk assessment. It was not always easy, and some partnerships were discontinued. But the experiences laid the foundation for stronger internal processes, updated specifications, and closer follow-up throughout the supply chain.
The collaboration has made us more structured in our approach. It has strengthened trust between us and our customers, since we can document both responsibility and continuous improvement
Towards PFAS-free production
Over time, Blåbær was able to gradually raise the bar. Today, the company has introduced a zero-tolerance policy for PFAS and works actively with both risk analysis and dialogue throughout the chain.
– The collaboration has made us more structured in our approach. It has strengthened trust between us and our customers, since we can document both responsibility and continuous improvement, says Rolf-Erik.
Even though challenges remain – such as higher material costs and limited availability of PFAS-free alternatives – Blåbær views the investment as necessary.
– Investing in this work is not a cost, but an insurance for future competitiveness and sustainable growth, says Rolf-Erik.
Results that matter
On the value of being part of the Chemicals Group, he notes:
– Membership provides not only access to tools and experts but also a network of companies that share experiences and solutions. It makes the journey easier, and you are not alone when new requirements and challenges arise.
Through the Chemicals Group, Blåbær has also expanded its work towards a more circular textile industry. The company participates in BioSusTex, an EU project aimed at developing safe and sustainable textile flows with a focus on bio-based materials.
In 2025, Blåbær was awarded the Norwegian Ethical Trade Award for its long-term commitment to responsible practices.
What does the Chemicals Group do?
The Chemicals Group is a network that supports textile and electronics companies with up-to-date knowledge and expert guidance on chemical management and sustainability.
Membership provides continuous monitoring of legislation, practical tools, and best practices for replacing hazardous substances.
