OEKO-TEX® is an independent international association, which is responsible for awarding a worldwide, annually renewable quality seal of approval to textile and leather products whose manufacturers request it, provided that they meet the requirements and pass the relevant tests.
Today, OEKO-TEX® operates through 17 test institutes, covering some 70 countries of production. There are now some 176 auditors working for OEKO-TEX®, with around 6916 audits being carried out this year.
OEKO-TEX® Awards 36,000 Certificates in One Year
OEKO-TEX®, the international association for the certification of materials, production sites, and manufacturing processes, has announced a 14 % increase in the number of certificates and seals awarded in the year ending in June. After rolling out a new impact calculation tool last January, the organization is preparing to launch a new standard, this time geared to customers' compliance with the duty of care.
The group has indicated that 11,091 samples in total were also taken in stores or during factory visits. In 89 % of the cases, the analyses confirmed that the materials met the specifications of the requested certifications.
Of the 36,084 certifications and seals issued, 27,428, up by 11%, corresponding to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, guarantee the absence of harmful products in a product. Made in Green by OEKO-TEX® had 7198 certifications, which was up by 23%. The most recent Leather Standard has 87 certifications for the year, showing an increase of 8%.
The biggest growth was in STeP by OEKO-TEX®, a label awarded to 356 responsible production sites, up by 46%. The ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® label, dedicated to chemical processing and dyes, was awarded to 1015 organizations, an increase of 21%.
Oeko-Tex Celebrates its 30th Anniversary
Exactly 30 years ago, in March 1992, OEKO-TEX® was founded with the sole objective of empowering consumers and companies to make responsible choices to protect the planet for future generations and to be able to purchase and offer environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.
To achieve this goal, the standard owner has tracked down legal, scientific, and technical information, developed standards, and conducted rigorous testing. Over the years, it has continuously improved its processes, expanded its extensive knowledge of textiles, introduced new tools, and responded to consumer needs.
The goal is still in place today, but OEKO-TEX®'s scope has expanded to 17 independent research and testing institutes. The organization has also developed standards covering the entire supply chain, including recognized labels such as OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and OEKO-TEX®’s Made in Green, and has partnered with more than 21,000 companies in 100 countries to make more than 235,000 certifications available for a range of products.
OEKO-TEX®'s recent achievements include the new impact calculator, which provides the textile industry with the data it needs to measure and quantify CO2 emissions and water consumption. In addition, the footprint tool provides information to take specific measures to improve processes and achieve reduction targets.
Later this year, OEKO-TEX® will also offer a service called "OEKO-TEX® Responsible Trade" to help companies make the transition to the upcoming due diligence laws.