Maxim Textile Technology SDN BHD Malaysia becomes OEKO-TEX® STeP certified

Maxim’s strategy focuses on green procurement and production, and to ensure eco-friendly product development, a safe working area and to demonstrate the best social responsibility in the work environment to employees and stakeholders the company chose OEKO-TEX® STeP certification: “It improves our credibility and trust with customers, increases customer loyalty, reduces operation costs, improves employee satisfaction, and enhances our company reputation in the worldwide market.

Important steps taken to increase sustainability include the installation of a complete RO (reverse osmosis) water system, which helps to reduce 50% of the water usage in daily operations. Furthermore, a chemical management committee has been set up in the facility which is focused on sourcing and promoting green chemistry for laboratory and production. All chemical purchases go through RSL/MRSL assessment including sample approval before they can be approved for use in the facility.

During the STeP certification process Maxim came across some challenges, the major one being chemical & environmental management. This was due to the production and use of chemicals which can have significant environmental consequences, including greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and land degradation. Their solution was to communicate with business partners by sharing their sustainability goals and action plan. They collaborate with business partners and stakeholders by focusing on green procurement to eliminate the use of materials that have a negative impact on the environment. In the meantime, they are developing guidelines for internal and sustainable purchasing options for committees, buyers and business partners. TESTEX provided the best guidance during the certification process.

The company has seen numerous positive changes after implementing OEKO-TEX® STeP, including:

• Improved social responsibility practices in the facility & increased employee & customer satisfaction.
• Reduced process costs and safety manufacturing working conditions.
• Increased machine capacity utilization and improved product quality.
• Harmony in the work environment & access to healthcare for workers.
• Enhanced company reputation in the worldwide market.

The STeP assessment required Maxim to provide the data in more detail than other platforms. Through the STeP certification progress, the facility can identify the gap in each area and needs for improvement or implementation. Further goals include improving air emission quality and environmental performance. To help achieve these goals they have used the Impact Calculator and could identify the action required for improvement from the carbon footprint report. Maxim also plans to introduce the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label.

Statement by General Manager Mr. Mah Chin Fatt:

Being certified by OEKO-TEX STeP has helped us to expand our market based on sustainable transparency, as well as to convince customers of the reliability of the company's products. This program also helped us to identify areas of weakness, improve our operations and social labour management to enable us to remain competitive in the market. The increased trust and confidence from stakeholders and customers ensure that Maxim will pursue its goals towards a sustainable world.