From the fibres we touch to the accessories we zip, chemicals used in textile production can quietly impact wellbeing, reputation, and regulatory compliance. In 2023 alone, the EU flagged 70 textile product alerts over chemical risks — a clear signal that safety is a growing concern for both consumers and regulators. For businesses navigating the expanding demands of corporate sustainability, OEKO-TEX offers a trusted standard that bridges the gap between safe production and credible communication. Continue reading as we break down what OEKO-TEX means, the benefits of this certification for businesses, and the steps involved to get certified.
What does OEKO-TEX mean?
OEKO-TEX is an independent, globally recognised certification system for textiles and leather products. It verifies that fabrics, dyes, and accessories are tested for harmful substances, and in some cases, that production processes meet environmental and social responsibility standards.
The most common label, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, certifies that every component of a product (thread, zips, buttons, fabric) has been tested for substances harmful to human health. Beyond Standard 100, OEKO-TEX also offers certifications such as STeP (Sustainable Textile & Leather Production) and Made in Green, which audit supply chains for sustainable and socially responsible manufacturing practices.
Products carrying an OEKO-TEX label are trusted worldwide by businesses and consumers as safe and responsibly produced. This certification system is important because textiles are often treated with chemicals during printing, dyeing, and finishing. Therefore, the OEKO-TEX certification helps businesses assure consumers that their products are free from hazardous substances, while also demonstrating a commitment to responsible production.
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Benefits of OEKO-TEX certification for businesses
For businesses, OEKO-TEX certification offers more than a label; it provides a competitive edge by assuring product safety, strengthening supply chain transparency, and supporting long-term sustainability objectives.
Consumer trust and brand credibility
Certification signals that products are tested for harmful substances, helping businesses differentiate themselves in a market increasingly sensitive to health, safety, and sustainability claims.
Market access and competitiveness
OEKO-TEX is recognisable globally. With this in mind, having the label can help businesses access international markets and meet procurement requirements from buyers and retailers who demand certified textiles.
Supply chain transparency
OEKO-TEX audits go further than product testing by looking at production practices. This enables businesses to demonstrate responsible sourcing and strengthen ESG reporting.
Risk management
Testing ensures compliance with global chemical safety standards and regulations, like REACH in the EU. This minimises the risk of product recalls, reputational damage, and fines.
Operational efficiency
Certifications like OEKO-TEX STeP encourage more sustainable production methods, like reduced energy and water use, which can lead to long-term cost savings.
Employee and stakeholder confidence
Demonstrating commitment to safe, sustainable textiles improves internal pride, attracts values-driven employees, and reassures investors looking at ESG performance.
How to get OEKO-TEX certified
The OEKO-TEX certification process is designed to be rigorous yet transparent. It combines independent testing and on-site audits to verify that textiles meet the highest standards of safety and sustainability. Here are the various stages involved in getting a product or process OEKO-TEX certified.
1. Choose the right certification
Select which OEKO-TEX standard fits your process or product – Standard 100 for finished textiles, STeP for production facilities, Made in Green for sustainable and traceable products.
2. Application
Submit an application to an authorised OEKO-TEX institute. You’ll provide details about your products, materials, and production processes.
3. Documentation and materials disclosure
Share complete information about all components (dyes, accessories, finishes, fibres) along with relevant chemical safety documentation (such as MSDS – Material Safety Data Sheets).
4. Laboratory testing
An independent OEKO-TEX laboratory conducts chemical testing on the product to check for harmful substances against defined thresholds. Each component is tested, from fabric to buttons and threads.
5. On-site audit (for certain standards)
For certifications like OEKO-TEX STeP or Made in Green, auditors review production facilities to assess worker safety, social responsibility, and environmental performance.
6. Certification decision
If the product and processes meet the OEKO-TEX criteria, the certificate is issued. Certification is valid for 12 months.
7. Annual renewal
Businesses must reapply and undergo audits/testing every year to maintain certification and ensure ongoing compliance with updated standards.
Conclusion
As global awareness of product safety and sustainable supply chains continues to rise, OEKO-TEX is positioned to play an even greater role in shaping the future of textiles. Annual updates to its standards ensure that certification evolves in line with scientific advances, regulatory requirements, and consumer expectations.
For businesses, this means that OEKO-TEX is not just a label for today but an investment in long-term trust, resilience, and competitive advantage. For organisations in the textiles sector, mastering how certifications like OEKO-TEX fit into broader ESG strategies is becoming essential. Explore our sustainability courses online to build the knowledge needed to drive safer materials, stronger supply chains, and long-term business resilience.
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Dedicated to harnessing the power of storytelling to raise awareness, demystify, and drive behavioural change, Bronagh works as the Communications & Content Manager at the Institute of Sustainability Studies. Alongside her work with ISS, Bronagh contributes articles to several news media publications on sustainability and mental health.
