Astral Becomes bluesign SYSTEM Partner, Builds PFDs with bluesign-approved Shells

Astral, manufacturer of personal floating devices (PFDs) and footwear, announced its commitment as a bluesign SYSTEM Partner, the latest milestone in its decades-long path towards sustainability.

This commitment comes on the heels of its development of a bluesign-approved PFD shell, which is featured in four of its latest lifejackets.

Founded in 2000, bluesign helps equip brands with sustainable textile supply solutions. Through strict criteria and analysis for on-site system implementation, the bluesign SYSTEM reduces the textile industry’s impacts on people and the environment, ensures responsible use of resources, and guarantees the highest degree of consumer protection.

Since the mid-2000s, Astral has vowed to put nature first and has a proven record of environmental innovation. Becoming a bluesign SYSTEM Partner is the latest step in the company’s journey from synthetics to naturals.

“The first step in preventing damage to water and soil is understanding how chemicals affect them,” said Astral founder & CEO Philip Curry. “bluesign, with their deep knowledge in textile chemistry, is the partner we need to constantly evaluate our supply chain and prevent harmful chemistry getting into our products.”

Astral’s bluesign approved PFD shell can be found in four lifejackets from Astral’s S21 lineup: the Ceiba, the EV-Eight, the E-Ronny, and the E-Linda.

The Ceiba is available at retailers nationwide. The E-Ronny and E-Linda (currently exclusive to REI) will be available online at astraldesigns.com and at retailers nationwide starting in July. The EV-Eight (currently exclusive to L.L. Bean) will be available online at astraldesigns.com and at retailers nationwide starting in September.

For more information on Astral visit www.astraldesigns.com or contact Dan Arnett at dan@darbycommunications.com