Tanzania’s S.M. Holdings becomes the first ginner in Africa to obtain OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certification

Our role begins with contracting farmers and providing them with training in sustainable agricultural practices. From there, we process raw cotton into high-quality lint that meets the stringent standards of both local and international buyers. This critical step in the cotton value chain bridges the gap between farmers and textile mills, ensuring seamless integration.

However, challenges persist, including fluctuating global cotton prices, port congestion impacting timely shipments, and the high costs associated with compliance to sustainable certifications.

Despite these obstacles, the future of cotton in the sustainable textiles market is promising. With rising consumer demand for traceable and ethically sourced materials, sustainable cotton, such as OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON and CmiA certified varieties, is emerging as a key industry driver. By investing in sustainable farming practices and fostering transparent supply chains, cotton has the potential to play a transformative role in creating a greener, more sustainable future for fashion.

OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON is renowned for its rigorous testing and its commitment to safety and sustainability throughout the supply chain. This certification builds consumer trust by ensuring global compliance, improving market access, enhancing confidence, and solidifying our reputation. It also affirms our dedication to sustainable practices, regulatory compliance, and product credibility.

Our collaboration with TESTEX was a highly positive experience. Their team provided clear guidance and consistent support throughout the certification process. TESTEX’s global network and ability to trace products back to their origins - connecting fashion brands with the story of ginners and farmers - brought significant value to our operations and storytelling efforts.

We aim to become global leaders in sustainable agriculture. With a rich legacy spanning 30 years, our vision includes expanding value-added processing and establishing direct partnerships with fashion brands, driving innovation and sustainability in the industry.

About OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON

OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON offers numerous benefits: as part of the OEKO-TEX® system, it is eligible for the MADE IN GREEN label and adheres to rigorous standards that ensure transparency, authenticity, and environmental responsibility. It also provides comprehensive transparency through full coverage and traceability by tracking the chain of custody with transaction certifications from the farm to the finished product.

The OEKO-TEX system includes a centralized database that facilitates mass balance and transaction certificates, minimizing the risk of fraud. Testing, certification, and auditing are conducted by the OEKO-TEX® Association itself, independent of third-party organizations. With over 30 years of industry expertise, the association ensures that the textile supply chain meets stringent standards through a regulated and regularly audited certification process.

An essential feature of the OEKO-TEX® certification is its quantitative GMO analysis, maintaining GMO contamination levels below 5%. This precision helps distinguish between accidental contamination and intentional use of genetically modified cotton. Additionally, yearly product controls ensure continuous compliance, with certified articles randomly selected during audits or retail inspections to uphold the standard.

To maintain credibility, the OEKO-TEX® system prohibits third-party certifications within the supply chain, ensuring that all certified articles are monitored exclusively within its framework. At the ginning level, IFOAM certification further guarantees that organic cotton complies with industry standards, directly from its fiber source.

Finally, the OEKO-TEX® standard undergoes annual updates to align with evolving international and national regulations, ensuring it remains at the forefront of sustainability and quality assurance.