OEKO-TEX® announces a major overhaul of its certification guidelines, focusing on sustainability and consumer safety, effective April 1, 2025.
OEKO-TEX®, the international association dedicated to promoting safety and sustainability in the textile and leather industries, has announced a significant overhaul of its testing criteria, limit values, and certification guidelines, effective April 1, 2025. The updates are designed to enhance trust and sustainability across these sectors, which have faced increasing scrutiny over environmental and health concerns.
A prominent feature of the new guidelines is the revised approach to organic cotton certification. The OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification will no longer support “GMO-free” or “organic” claims for cotton. Instead, OEKO-TEX® will implement a focused management strategy through the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certification, which aims to create more reliable oversight and prevent fraudulent claims regarding organic cotton usage.
In response to rising health concerns, the limit on Bisphenol A (BPA)—a chemical commonly found in textiles—has been drastically reduced from 100mg/kg to just 10mg/kg. This change aligns with BPA’s designation as an endocrine disruptor, underscoring the commitment to consumer safety within the industry.
Additionally, the Leather Standard will introduce stricter transparency requirements in alignment with the European Deforestation Regulation. Under the new guidelines, manufacturers will need to trace the origins of their leather products to verify that their supply chains do not contribute to deforestation. This includes the necessity for companies to provide proof of origin for cattle and calf products.
Moreover, the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label will now also recognize OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON alongside other certifications like STANDARD 100 and LEATHER STANDARD. This update enhances the label’s role in combining supply chain traceability with responsible production practices.
The OEKO-TEX® STeP (Sustainable Textile Production) certificate holders will now have the opportunity to participate in the ZDHC Supplier to Zero Programme. This initiative is designed to foster collaboration and reduce the environmental impact across the textile, apparel, footwear, and leather industries.
Furthermore, the ECO PASSPORT program is set to extend to include commodity and maintenance chemicals, promoting a proactive approach to eliminate harmful substances. Customers utilizing the ECO PASSPORT certification will also be able to highlight the biodegradability of their chemical products, which is increasingly important in sustainable manufacturing.
These updates signify OEKO-TEX®’s ongoing commitment to fostering trust, transparency, and sustainability within the textile and leather industries. By proactively addressing global regulatory requirements and integrating the latest scientific findings, OEKO-TEX® is working toward consistent consumer protection and environmentally responsible practices, which could ultimately raise standards in both environmental and social responsibility.
Source: Noah Wire Services
