Switzerland's OEKO-TEX celebrates 30 years of expertise

"Our services bring transparency to the international textile and leather industry supply chains," said OEKO-TEX secretary general Georg Dieners. "They enable all stakeholders to make mindful decisions that help preserve our planet for future generations."

In 1992, 20 years before the United Nations announced the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), OEKO-TEX launched Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, now one of the best-known labels for product safety. The limit values and test methods on which Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX is based were internationally standardised and are adapted to the latest scientific findings and legislation at least once a year - a principle that is applied to all OEKO-TEX standards. "From the very beginning, we have considered the needs of all players in the textile value chain and continue to create solutions for current and future market requirements,"  Dr Stefan Mecheels, owner of the textile testing service provider Hohenstein, said.

Today, the international association consists of 17 independent research and testing institutes focused on textile and leather, with contact offices in over 60 countries. They are responsible for the joint development of the test methods and limit values in the OEKO-TEX Standards and carry out laboratory tests and factory audits according to globally uniform specifications. These comprehensive product and process audits ensure appropriate risk management, consumer and environmental protection and legal compliance. “With their wide-ranging research and development, the accredited OEKO-TEX test institutes provide important insight for innovations within the textile and leather industry. They work in close cooperation with manufacturers and make a significant contribution to the development of high-quality textile and leather products at all stages of the value chain,” OEKO-TEX said in a press release.

Being close to the market, and ideally one step ahead, is essential to supporting companies who are adapting to constantly changing conditions and meeting consumer expectations. Therefore, the development of OEKO-TEX is not only a reflection of scientific knowledge, but also of social and political trends. The focus is always on standardising sustainable action and measures and making it easier for industry to quickly and comprehensively implement sustainability goals.

Exchange with third parties is particularly valuable for this purpose. OEKO-TEX participates in various international multi-stakeholder initiatives such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, the ZHDC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) and Greenpeace.

In addition to cooperation with external multi-stakeholder initiatives, the OEKO-TEX International Advisory Board (IAB) meets annually. The core function of the IAB is to help review consistent and market oriented Standards development proposals by the OEKO-TEX working groups. In addition, the association is conducting a public stakeholder consultation to gain further insights from all interest groups, which it will integrate into further development of the Standards.

“The founding goal of enabling responsible choices that preserve our planet for future generations has become increasingly urgent over the past 30 years. So, OEKO-TEX is even more resolute than ever in developing comprehensive solutions. We stand by industry and consumers as a trusted partner for the challenges ahead. In addition to the Impact Calculator  launched in January 2022, which helps STeP by OEKO-TEX certified production facilities reduce their carbon emissions and water consumption, this summer, the association will launch a service to help companies transition to the upcoming due diligence laws,” the release added.

"As a community, we have a comprehensive view of the industry and this is a great added value for brands, manufacturers, retailers and ultimately consumers, in view of the growing importance of sustainable action, worldwide,” added Mecheels.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)