SPONSORED CONTENT – As sustainability challenges increase globally, textile and leather companies are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact and produce responsibly. The international OEKO-TEX® association supports the industry with comprehensive certification systems that encourage responsible practices.

OEKO-TEX® certifications provide businesses with independent, science-based validation of their sustainability efforts. In 2023/2024, the association of 17 international testing and research institutes issued over 50,000 certificates and product labels – a 22% increase from the previous year – proving the growing demand for verified, responsible and socially conscious products. More than 35,000 companies rely on these certifications to guide their sustainable development, maintain transparency and meet consumer demands for safer products.

OEKO-TEX® ‘s mission of building trust for companies and consumers, and enabling them to make responsible decisions to protect people and the planet was initiated by the textile label OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. Nowadays, the certification is one of the best-known labels for product and consumer safety.

Additionally, manufacturers, brands and retailers rely on certifications such as OEKO-TEX® STeP and OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT to optimise their manufacturing processes.

ECO PASSPORT certifies that chemicals, dyes, and auxiliaries used in textile production meet environmental and safety standards, ensuring that inputs are safe for workers, consumers and the environment.

OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT is a key part of the modular certification system, recognised by OEKO-TEX® STeP, STANDARD 100, ORGANIC COTTON and MADE IN GREEN. From 2023, STeP certified facilities gain additional benefits, such as digitalised  chemical inventory management via the OEKO-TEX® x The BHive® partnership, simplifying certification processes and compliance checks.

 With OEKO-TEX®, textile and leather businesses benefit from quality assurance across the entire supply chain, cost savings through the systematic reuse of existing certificates and easier sourcing decisions via the OEKO-TEX® Buying Guide. Whether optimising chemical use or ensuring safe and socially responsible working practices, the OEKO-TEX® modular system helps companies achieve sustainability targets and build transparent, operations while meeting consumer expectations for responsible products.