OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN Label Marks a Decade as Global Standard for Ethical and Transparent Textile Production

Ten years since its introduction, the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label has solidified its status as a leading benchmark for accountability, environmental stewardship, and product safety in the global textile and leather industries. The label has become a crucial tool for businesses and consumers seeking assurance of ethical practices across increasingly complex and scrutinised supply chains. A major feature of the MADE IN GREEN label is its enhancement of product traceability. Responding to rising consumer demand for transparency, each labelled product carries a unique product ID and QR code. Scanning the code provides detailed information about the product’s manufacturing journey, including the facilities involved, production stages, and countries where these processes occurred. In 2024, over 300,000 scans were recorded, highlighting a significant increase in consumer engagement with transparent supply chains. The label also signifies a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. All participating production sites must be certified under the OEKO-TEX® STeP program, which includes a Social Responsibility Module aligned with International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards. This ensures protection of workers’ rights, including freedom of association, workplace health and safety, and bans on child labour, forced labour, and discrimination. Environmental requirements include responsible chemical use, effective wastewater treatment, and resource-efficient production. In 2024, the initiative contributed to improved social and working conditions for nearly one million textile workers worldwide. Product safety is another cornerstone of the MADE IN GREEN label. Certified products must meet the stringent criteria of OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, LEATHER STANDARD, or ORGANIC COTTON, involving comprehensive testing for harmful substances such as carcinogens, heavy metals, and pesticides. All components, from fabrics to zippers, are subject to this testing, with criteria reviewed and updated annually to reflect the latest scientific and regulatory developments. The OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label has seen rapid adoption, with issued labels rising by 52% in the past financial year. Since its launch in 2015, over 43,000 labels have been granted to more than 9,200 manufacturers in 88 countries. In 2024 alone, 16,927 labels were issued across 39 countries, with Germany and major Asian manufacturing centres—Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and China—leading in adoption. Interest is also growing in the United States and the United Kingdom, indicating a global shift toward more responsible textile products.