In addition to an annual round of updates to test criteria, limit values and requirements, along with tips on navigation and understanding new substances, the Oeko-Tex Association has made its Impact Calculator tool available for STeP customers and introduced a new certification for corporate due diligence: Responsible Business by Oeko-Tex.

The Impact Calculator tool measures the carbon and water footprint of each process step, the overall process and one kilogram of material/product. The textile industry has set the target of reducing carbon emissions by a minimum of 30 percent by 2030; Carbon- and water-intensive manufacturing processes in the textile industry hold great potential for improvement, however, reliable data and enhanced transparency are key to reaching environmental goals. The Impact Calculator goes into effect April 1, 2022. There is a three-page document and a video that provide an overview of the tool on the Oeko-Tex website here: www.oeko-tex.com.

The  Responsible Business certificate focuses on embedding responsible business practices into policy and management systems. It is not a product or manufacturer certificate, nor can it be linked to a customer's product, however, customers can receive a label and certificate. If customers have the Association’s Made in Green compliance, then they can present Responsible Business approval on the label and QR codes.

Currently in pilot phase, the Responsible Business certificate is slated to go to market mid-year 2023 to align with Germany’s new supply chain legislation act coming into effect January 1, 2023. Germany’s new law obligates companies to establish due diligence procedures in global supply chains to safeguard human rights and the environment. The act will impact companies with 3,000 or more employees in Germany to take “appropriate measures” in terms of respect and responsibility for people and the planet.

Also of note, the traceable sustainability label for textiles and leather goods, Made In Green, recorded the strongest growth within the Oeko-Tex portfolio in 2021. While home textiles continue to occupy the top spot, there’s movement in the apparel category; Workwear and protective clothing recorded the biggest growth.