The OEKO-TEX® Association has released its annual updates to test criteria, limit values and requirements for its certification. 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. More than 130 participating companies pledged their commitment to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius – a goal of the Paris Climate Agreement. In turn, the textile industry has set the target of reducing carbon emissions by minimum 30 percent by 2030.

To achieve the industry’s 2030 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.

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 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 percent (as of 31/12/2021).

While home textiles continue to occupy the top spot as the strongest category (bedding with an increase of 80 percent compared to the previous year), there is currently movement particularly in the apparel category. With a year-on-year increase of 156 percent, 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

AITEX is the only Spanish Institute approved to issue OEKO-TEX® certifications, offers companies interested in acquiring OEKO-TEX® certification a broad team of experts to advise on the different certifications and how to apply them, as well as how to obtain the certifications.