All new regulations will come into force after the transition period on 1 April 2022.

At the 2021 World Climate Conference in Glasgow, representatives of the textile industry presented a more ambitious version of the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. In the updated charter, more than 130 participating companies pledged their commitment to limiting global warming to 1.5°C. In turn, the textile industry has set the target of reducing carbon emissions by minimum 30 percent by 2030.

Impact Calculator for STeP by Oeko-Tex

To achieve this goal, companies need reliable data. To promote progress and data exchange along the global supply chain, Oeko-Tex has launched the Impact Calculator. The tool measures the carbon and water footprint of each process step, the overall process and one kilogram of material/product.

Solution via life cycle assessment

Oeko-Tex started development of a life cycle assessment tool in 2020. Now, both carbon and water footprint calculations are integrated into the STeP by Oeko-Tex facility certification. Thus, the certification enables individual facilities to:

• Identify the largest carbon and water impacts by materials used or produced, as well as by production processes.
• Take action to improve operations and meet reduction targets.
• Share carbon and water footprint data with customers, investors, business partners and other stakeholders.

The STeP certification is a pre-requisite for earning the Made in Green by Oeko-Tex product label. Implementation of footprint calculation data for consumer communication is planned for a future step toward transparency.

New certification for brands and retailers

In mid-2022, the association will introduce Responsible Business by Oeko-Tex, a new certification for brands and retailers committed to international agreements for human rights and environmental protection. Responsible Business by Oeko-Tex was developed in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the relevant OECD Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct.

Made in Green by Oeko-Tex

The traceable sustainability label for textiles and leather goods again recorded the strongest growth within the Oeko-Tex portfolio. Compared to the previous year, the number of Made in Green label holders increased by 55%. While home textiles continue to occupy the top spot as the strongest category, there is currently movement particularly in the apparel category. With a year-on-year increase of 156%, workwear and protective clothing recorded the biggest growth. This makes it clear how quickly demand for sustainably manufactured products is developing in all textile product areas.

New substances under observation

In 2022, Oeko-Tex will continue to monitor various substances based on the latest scientific findings and conformity with relevant specifications. This primarily concerns some process preservative agents and the bisphenols F, S and AF.

• The 2022 new regulations are available in detail for all Oeko-Tex products on the website.
• In addition, a webinar with detailed information on all Oeko-Tex new regulations will be available to all interested parties on January 18, 2022 via the website.