Boosting buyer confidence in textiles & leather with OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN has spent a decade setting the standard for transparency, sustainability and safety in global textile and leather production. Today, it serves as a trusted guide for businesses and consumers, offering verified assurance of responsible practices across increasingly complex and scrutinised supply chains.
Made traceable – In an era where consumers demand deeper insight into the products they buy, MADE IN GREEN delivers clear, accessible traceability. Each labelled product comes with a unique product ID and QR code that, when scanned, reveals detailed information about its production journey. This includes which facilities were involved, the specific stages of production, and the countries where these processes occurred. In 2024 alone, over 300,000 labels were scanned – an indicator of rising consumer awareness and engagement with transparent supply chains.
Made responsible – The MADE IN GREEN label signifies not just environmentally sound practices but also strong social responsibility. Participating production facilities must be certified under the OEKO-TEX® STeP programme, which includes strict adherence to its Social Responsibility Module. This module is aligned with the core labour standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO), a UN agency, and ensures fundamental workers’ rights such as freedom of association, occupational health and safety and the prohibition of child labour, forced labour and discrimination.
Environmental protection is equally integral to certification. Requirements include responsible use of chemicals, effective wastewater treatment and an overall commitment to cleaner and more resource-efficient production methods. In 2024, MADE IN GREEN contributed to improved social and working conditions for nearly one million textile workers involved in certified supply chains worldwide.
Made safe – Product safety remains a core element of the MADE IN GREEN label. All certified products must comply with the rigorous standards of OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, LEATHER STANDARD or ORANIC COTTON. This means they are tested for a wide range of harmful substances, including carcinogens, heavy metals and pesticides. Every component – from fabrics and threads to zippers and buttons – is included in the testing process. To ensure continued reliability, all testing criteria are reviewed and updated annually based on the latest scientific and regulatory developments.
A holistic label for informed choices – OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN offers a comprehensive labelling solution for those who prioritise ethical responsibility, safety and transparency. Adoption continues to grow rapidly. Over the past financial year, issued labels increased by 52%. Since its launch in 2015, more than 43,000 labels have been awarded to over 9,200 manufacturers in 88 countries. In 2024 alone, 16,927 labels were issued across 39 countries, led by Germany and key Asian hubs such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and China. Interest is also accelerating in the US and UK, underscoring the global demand for more responsible textiles.
