A Decade of Impact: Celebrating 10 Years of OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN

Looking back on the past decade, what inspired the creation of OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN, and what were the initial goals?

More than 20 years ago, OEKO-TEX® introduced the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100plus, which combined the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification, focused on product safety, with OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 1000, which emphasized sustainable production. At that time, all processes were managed through paperwork.

In 2013, when OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 1000 evolved into OEKO-TEX® STeP as an online tool, we needed to further develop and enhance OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100plus. This led to the creation of OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN, which was officially launched in 2015. The goal was to maintain the same principles as OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100plus while ensuring greater traceability and transparency regarding the production facilities involved in a product’s manufacturing. To achieve this, a unique product ID and QR code were introduced on labels and hangtags, allowing end consumers to verify the origins and sustainability of their purchases.

How has the labelling system evolved over the years to meet the changing demands of the textile industry and consumers?

Every year since the launch, we have carefully considered feedback from our MADE IN GREEN customers and continuously improved the MADE IN GREEN dashboard, incorporating insights from label checks whenever possible. Our primary goal has been to provide end consumers with as much relevant information as possible while addressing the needs of both users and brands.

Sustainability and transparency are at the core of OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN. How do you ensure brands and manufacturers uphold the standard?

We have consistently worked to enhance the strict criteria of the MADE IN GREEN standard. To achieve this, we hold two to three working group meetings and a technical meeting each year, ensuring that all aspects are carefully considered. Our goal is to maintain full transparency for all stakeholders and end consumers.

What impact has the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN labelling system on the industry, both in terms of environmental responsibility and consumer awareness?

The textile industry, particularly the apparel and home textiles sectors, quickly embraced MADE IN GREEN. It was the first label from an independent organization that not only recognized their commitment to sustainable production but also provided a transparent way to showcase these efforts to end consumers.

What challenges have you faced in growing the number of OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN labelling over the past 10 years?

Brands and retailers are highly valued partners, and we strive to address all requests in a timely manner. However, this is not always feasible. This is especially true when implementing new features in the MADE IN GREEN dashboard in a more customized way, allowing users to adjust the tool according to their specific needs. Our ongoing efforts also focus on enhancing user-friendliness and providing more tailored solutions to improve the overall experience.

Can you share a success story or a milestone that particularly stands out for you?

CALIDA AG has been a long-term OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 client for nearly 30 years. In 2016, when we launched a project to certify select product lines with the MADE IN GREEN label, we were proud to achieve this goal within the same year. This was made possible by ensuring that the relevant manufacturing facilities and the main fabric supplier, E. Schellenberg Textildruck AG, were certified according to OEKO-TEX® STeP.

This achievement marked our first major milestone. The second milestone came in 2022 when we reached 10,000 MADE IN GREEN labels issued worldwide. This year, we have reached 600 active MADE IN GREEN label owners across more than 40 countries. Looking ahead, we anticipate surpassing 20,000 issued MADE IN GREEN labels before the end of the year.

Looking ahead, how do you see OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN evolving over the next decade? Are there any upcoming innovations or expansions?

We aim to expand the scope of MADE IN GREEN certification by including not only the already mandatory Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers but also Tier 3 and Tier 4, as well as viscose producers. This will further ensure that MADE IN GREEN-labeled products are sustainably produced across the entire supply chain while also being tested for harmful substances.

Additionally, we plan to enhance the label check process by making the carbon and water footprint of MADE IN GREEN-labeled products visible in the app. This initiative aligns with EU requirements for Digital Product Footprint (DPF) and the Digital Product Passport (DPP), addressing increasing demands for greater transparency in sustainable production.

What message would you like to share with brands, manufacturers, and consumers as you celebrate this 10-year milestone?

First and foremost, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our partners for using MADE IN GREEN to label their products and for their invaluable collaboration over the past decade. Their commitment has been instrumental in bringing us to where we stand today.

We are excited about the upcoming features that will be integrated into the MADE IN GREEN Dashboard, aiming to further enhance user satisfaction. Additionally, we look forward to sharing new information that will be displayed when checking the MADE IN GREEN label on a smartphone or computer, providing even greater transparency and insight for consumers.