The international OEKO-TEX Association, which provides partners in the textile and leather industries with collaborative solutions, has once more seen business growth. Between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, OEKO-TEX issued more than 43,000 certifications and labels in total, an increase of 21% over the prior fiscal year. The Made In Green product label saw the largest increase (52%).
According to a news statement from OEKO-TEX, the company continues to push for desperately needed change through collaboration and teamwork, both with their services and across the entire organization.
OEKO-TEX focused on collaboration with multiple partners along the global supply chain for their two new certifications. OEKO-TEX Responsible Business, which will be introduced in November 2022, responds to the rising demands and due diligence standards around the world. The certification and tool help textile and leather businesses avoid unfavorable effects from their internal business processes, supplier chains, and wider business interactions. A global network of certified businesses is available to businesses using OEKO-TEX Organic Cotton, making it easier for them to source chemicals, raw materials, and business partners from the point of cultivation to the finished product.
Organizationally, OEKO-TEX is concentrating on collaborations with multi-stakeholder initiatives to integrate as many viewpoints as possible and ensure that all stakeholders can profit. OEKO-TEX is working with ZDHC to promote sustainable chemical management and joining the ISEAL community, just two of the many partnerships the company has to solve the most critical issues facing the sector.
The association’s primary business expands in the interim. For instance, OEKO-TEX declared a universal restriction on the use of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS/PFC) in textiles, leather, and shoes certified by Standard 100, Leather Standard, and Eco Passport based on industry advancements and scientific results. Additionally, OEKO-TEX achieved the mark of 1,000 production facilities with STeP certification.
Through collaboration and education, OEKO-TEX is well-positioned to carry out its mission of empowering businesses and consumers to make more responsible decisions.
