New certification for sustainable production

GERMANY: New certification for sustainable textile production

By Leonie Barrie | 15 March 2013

A new certification system for environmentally friendly and socially responsible production facilities in the textile supply chain is being launched in June.

Developed by textile testing and certification body The International Oeko-Tex Association, the 'Sustainable Textile Production (STeP)' will replace the current Oeko-Tex Standard 1000.

The aim of Sustainable Textile Production (STeP) by Oeko-Tex is to provide textile brands, retailers and manufacturers with "trustworthy and transparent" documentation of sustainable production.

The 'modular analysis' will cover areas such as quality management, use of chemicals, environmental protection, environmental management, social responsibility and health and safety.

Production facilities will be audited by one of the Oeko-Tex institutes, including unannounced visits, and will integrate with existing company certificates such as ISO 9000, ISO 14001, SA 8000 and OHSAS 18001.

The scoring system will also make it clear where certified companies still have room for improvement with regards to sustainability.

The SteP certification will be presented for the first time in June, to coincide with the Oeko-Tex Sustainability Awards in Frankfurt, which will recognise the achievement of Oeko-Tex certified companies in environmental management, quality management, social responsibility, safety management and product innovation.

Sectors: Fibres & fabrics, Manufacturing, Social & environmental responsibility