The association issued more than 31,000 certificates and labels in the past financial year, an increase of 31% compared to 2019/2020. Once again, “Made in Green by Oeko-Tex” grew the most, doubling the number of labels. Oeko-Tex also moved forward with its new Water and Carbon Footprint Tool.

“Our mission remains unchanged,” says Oeko-Tex Secretary General Georg Dieners. “The annual report reflects the growing importance of this topic across the industry.” Over 21,000 manufacturers, brands and retailers formally work with Oeko-Tex in more than 100 countries.

Support through the crisis

During year two of the Covid-19 pandemic, Oeko-Tex has made every effort to continue with certification and avoid supply chain interruptions. The association supported the industry and global fight against Covid-19 with waivers of over 370 Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification fees on mouth and nose masks. Due to travel restrictions, the organization implemented guidelines for virtual audits to ensure a smooth and consistend certification process. In addition, over 62,0000 workers benefit from employment in safe and socially responsible working conditions with environmentally friendly processes verified by STeP by Oeko-Tex certification.

High quality ensurance

Oeko-Tex continually takes action to implement a variety of quality assurance measures and incorporating external views. Round RobinTests are an important part of Oeko-Tex’s strategy to ensure the high quality of the measuring procedures and laboratories. Identical samples are tested with identical test methods at each institute to provide an interlaboraty comparison.

In terms of trademark protection Oeko-Tex has worked, since beginning of 2021, with the brand protection software Sentryc to act against trademark infringement. So far, over 2600 misuse cases have been detected and resolved.

Oeko-Tex continues to support the industry with knowledge and sustainable solutions. Together with sustainability consulting group Quantis, the Association has developed the Oeko-Tex Carbon & Water Footprint Tool to help the fashion industry reduce its CO2 emissions and water consumption. In 2021 the methodology was successfully certified by a neutral third party and implemented. The tool will be integrated into the STeP by Oeko-Tex certification in 2022.