At the recent Climate Summit, a total of 130 textile/apparel companies presented the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. It involves a commitment not to exceed the 1.5-degree barrier, already proposed at the Paris Summit. They decided to reduce their emissions by 30% by 2030, and so Oeko Tex® has echoed this and has adapted its certifications to achieve this goal. In order to meet the industry's target, OEKO-TEX® has launched the “Impact Calculator”, a tool that measures the carbon and water footprint at each step of the companies' production process. Both the carbon and water footprint calculations are integrated into the STeP by OEKO-TEX® certification. With this certification, companies can:
Identify which materials and production processes produce a higher carbon and water impact. Take measures to improve operations and meet reduction targets. Share carbon and water footprint data with customers, investors, business partners, and other stakeholders.
Sustainable Manufactured Products Show Higher Sales Growth The traceable sustainability label for textile and leather products has once again recorded the highest growth within the OEKO-TEX® portfolio. Compared to the previous year, the number of Made in Green certification holders has increased by 55%. While home textiles continue to hold the top spot as the strongest category, there are no significant changes in the apparel category. With a year-on-year increase of 156%, workwear and protective clothing recorded the strongest growth. This highlights the rapidly developing demand for sustainably manufactured products in all textile product areas. The traceable sustainability label “Made in Green” also by OEKO TEX® for textile and leather products was the organization's fastest-growing label in 2021. Compared to the previous year, the number of its holders increased by 55%. Home textiles continue to rank first among the sectors demanding this certification. Demand from the bedding sector even grew by 80% compared to the previous year). The clothing sector is also currently very dynamic. The sector that grew the most in 2021, however, was workwear and protective clothing. All these figures underscore the rapidly growing demand for sustainably manufactured products in all segments of the textile sector.
Responsible Business Certification In mid-2022, the association will introduce the new Responsible Business by OEKO TEXⓇ certification. It’s intended for brands and retailers that are committed to international agreements on human rights and environmental protection. In addition, it’s meant to support these companies in fulfilling their due diligence obligations in their own activities and those of their global supply chains. This certification has been developed in accordance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the corresponding OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct. About OEKO TEXⓇ: OEKO-TEX® is a standard owner that enables companies to make informed and responsible decisions that protect the planet. The union consists of 18 independent research and development institutes in the textile and leather ecology field, with contact offices in more than 60 countries. The organization is made of up 18 independent research institutes within the textile and leather ecology sectors in Europe and Japan, made up of contact offices in over 60 countries. The partner organizations are responsible for developing test methods and the enforcement of standards.