Now more than ever, it is important to be compassionate towards other people and the planet. International Day of Friendship, set for July 30, celebrates the idea that friendship between people, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
Friendship Day is an opportunity to reflect on what we all care about and how we live by these values. At OEKO-TEX®, we care about ensuring that textiles are safe for the people who wear them and the workers who manufacture them. And, we care about the effect that textile production has on the planet. In short, we care about enabling companies and consumers to manufacture and purchase products they can trust.
Sustainability
At 1.2 billon tonnes annually, total greenhouse gas emissions from textile production equates to more than those of all international flights and maritime shipping combined. If the fashion industry continues on its current path, it could use more than 26 percent of the carbon budget associated with a 2°C global warming limit by 2050.
OEKO-TEX® enables consumers to make sustainable purchasing decisions. A product with a OEKO-TEX®MADE IN GREEN label means it came from a facility that implements environmentally friendly production processes – from the use of chemicals to responsible handling of wastewater. These producers have proven their commitment to best practices and continuous improvement.
Safety
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is one of the world's best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. It stands for customer confidence and high product safety. OEKO-TEX®’s independent research and test institutes validate that chemicals in textiles are below levels that would typically cause harm. The OEKO-TEX® testing methods consider all the ways a substance can be absorbed and account for real-use situations – not just new conditions in a lab environment. All of the tests are based on the latest scientific data regarding health and manufacturing methods, and OEKO-TEX® consults with independent toxicologists to determine ecological safety.
In addition to consumer safety, the OEKO-TEX®MADE IN GREEN label ensures products have been manufactured in safe and socially responsible workplaces. Suppliers must take actions to improve working conditions and strengthen health and safety protection for workers at production sites, which includes checking working times, fair wage payments and social insurance as well as compliance with hygiene and safety requirements.
Trust
OEKO-TEX®’s mission is to ensure consumers can trust that textile and leather products are responsibly manufactured. Neutral and independent OEKO-TEX® research and test institutes conduct tests and issue certifications. OEKO-TEX® updates standards, limit values and restricted substance lists annually and is constantly monitoring legal, NGO, industry, health/scientific and technical information.
Each OEKO-TEX® label can be validated using the online label check. An item with a OEKO-TEX®MADE IN GREEN label can be further traced using a unique product ID or QR code, providing transparency regarding the production facilities and countries in which manufacturing took place.
Friendship has the power to change the world. OEKO-TEX® and our friends throughout the textile supply chain are creating an industry that is friendlier to humans and the environment. This International Day of Friendship, we celebrate how sustainability, trust and safety are at the foundation of making textiles that consider the needs of people and the planet.
