Annual Report
2022/2023

Welcome

Annual Report 2022/2023

Dearreaders,the urgency of acting in response to the climate crisis remains critical

We aim to drive change by cooperation, not only with our products,

across all industries. Within a few years, we must become climate neutral

but at the association level too. Here, we consider partnerships with multi-

while maintaining our resources, balancing social injustices, creating liveable

stakeholder initiatives to be particularly important. They involve as many

spaces and driving digital transformation.

different perspectives as possible, while letting various parties benefit fromthe outcome.

At OEKO-TEX®, we are convinced that only collaboration and collective
action can accelerate the urgently needed change. This is why we madeFollowing this approach, we have joined forces with ZDHC to enhance morecooperation the focus of our activities in the past financial year.

sustainable chemical management and cleaner chemistry principles. This
year’s acceptance as an ISEAL community member was another important

With our two new certifications, we focus on the collaboration between

step towards greater industry cooperation. The ISEAL alliance supports

various parties along the global supply chain:ambitious sustainability systems and their partners in tackling the world’s
most pressing challenges. Our membership underlines our commitment toThe OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS certification was launched ingenerating trust and transparency through the improvement of ourNovember 2022 to promote supply chain due diligence requirements in thestandards and management systems.

textile and leather industry. It supports companies in preventing negative
impacts of business operations - within their own activities, their supply

We want to take this opportunity to thank all stakeholders, partners and ourchains and in their wider business relationships.

employees for their great collaboration and support as we work together tocreate a better tomorrow.

Since April 2023, the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certification hasoffered verification from farm to product. Companies working withOEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON can benefit from a network of certified
corporations around the world for easier sourcing of chemicals, materials
and business partners along the textile chain.

2About OEKO-TEX®

Annual Report 2022/2023We inspire trust in the textile & leather
industry. Driven by sustainability and adedication to transparency, our work is
grounded in proven science.
Our standards allow everyone to
make responsible decisions and protect
natural resources.

Sustainability

SafetyTrust

With our independent scientific

For 30 years, we have enabled

Trust is the foundation of ourmethods, we inspire and shapecompanies and consumers to makeaction. We trust in science.

a sustainable future. We are an

confident decisions. We drive

OEKO-TEX® is an international

active, solution-driven partner inproduct and human safety throughnetwork of independent scientificinnovative projects, with a positive

reliable solutions. From companies

experts. We test and certify bymindset and progressive approach.

and their employees to consumers

using clear, consistent criteria,

and their families, everyone canwhich we communicate openly.

rely on our certified products andprocesses.

3Our Rebranding

Annual Report 2022/2023

A fresh look for atrusted brandIn its over 30th year of dedication to safer textiles and leather,
OEKO-TEX® has created a new brand identity. The most visible change isthe new OEKO-TEX® logo, based on a geometric square and an organic
circle, which reflect the scientific approach of OEKO-TEX® and the nature
it aims to protect. The new branding embodies our active, solution-oriented
and positive approach. With our independent testing institutes, we certify
to clear, globally uniform criteria, which we communicate openly.

Our highlights:✓ Transparent and user-friendly:
Our modular labelling system is easy to use, flexible and consistent
for all OEKO-TEX® product brands.
✓ New tools like the Label Editor:
We developed an easy, accessible tool for myOEKO-TEX® users todownload their labels.
✓ Clean, simple and bold:
The instantly recognizable combination of brand mark and colour
unifies our communication and increases brand awareness.
✓ Inspiration and aspiration:
The new warm colours, lively imagery and clear messaging spark an

XX.XXX.XXXXInstitute

XX.XXX.XXXXInstitute

XX.XXX.XXXXInstituteemotional connection.

www.oeko-tex.com

Mandatory

Maximum4

Annual Report 2022/2023

Highlights 22/23

Facts & numbers ata glanceStarting April 2023,+1 Million workers

OEKO-TEX® STeP

benefit from working in STeP certified facilities

BHive®

+1,000STeP Certificatescustomers can utilize
BHive® App, developed byGoBlu. Already more than80+55+37%

STeP certified facilities inSTeP customers use+63%

Female workers

Male workers

the app for their digitalcountries worldwide.

chemical management.

+24K

Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly
As of June 2023, over 258,000 STANDARD 100
labelled products and 38,324 MADE IN GREEN
labelled products are Climate Pledge friendly

Products Certified

badged on Amazon.

+52%

10,975MADE IN GREEN Labels5Highlights 22/23

Annual Report 2022/2023

Highlights in2022/2023
Launch! RESPONSIBLE BUSINESSPFASWith the launch of OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS in November 2022,

At OEKO-TEX®, our goal is to prevent the intentional use of PFAS. This is why

OEKO-TEX® has considerably enhanced its system.

we have issued a general ban on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

The focus is now also on the human rights and environmental due diligencein textiles, leather, apparel and footwear. This applies to product class 1 as ofobligations that companies in different countries have to consider. With thisApril 2023. The transition phase for the product classes 2-4 ends in 2024.

new certification, OEKO-TEX® offers support in the implementation of due

All PFAS chemicals contain organic fluorine which can be detected via lab

diligence within the company and confirms it through certification.

tests. This is why we introduced a limit value for extractable organic fluorine.

Launch! ORGANIC COTTON

Shoe Projects

To further support the use of organic cotton, our new OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC

German Outdoor Brand LOWA Sportschuhe GmbH, Croatian shoe manufac-

COTTON standard was launched in April 2023. By testing for GMO and pes-

turer MIRET and Swiss safety- and professional shoe manufacturer Stuco AGticides as well as having a full understanding and transparency of the valuejoined us on our journey to ensure trust and more sustainability in the textile

chain, we are happy to present a trustworthy label for products all along theand leather industry. Their shoe products got successfully certified and scien-

supply chain that are made of organic cotton.

tifically tested for the presence of harmful substances.

Launch! OEKO-TEX® Label Editor

ISEAL Membership

The new OEKO-TEX® label editor enables our customers to design, generateWith our ISEAL Community Member OEKO-TEX® underlines its commitment

and download OEKO-TEX® labels and hangtags to their specific needs. The

to generate trust and transparency. By taking part in ISEAL`s learning, colla-label editor is accessible via the myOEKO-TEX® platform. With more thanboration and innovation activities, we are working to improve our standards

32,900 downloads in 6 month the tool is already a success story.

and management system as well as creating greater impact.

We asked our team: What was your highlight in 2022/2023?
OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESSZDHC Collaboration

OEKO-TEX® Label Editor

Terminology Project

PFAS ban new limit values for PT2 chemicals

OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON
Digital Chemical Inventory

OEKO-TEX® Connector

EOF limit value

Integration of BHive®

Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly

6dariadéh collaboration

Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Annual Report 2022/2023

SustainableDevelopmentGoals (SDGs)
Good health and well-being
Safety at workplace, good hygiene, medical requirements and social
insurance are obligatory for the OEKO-TEX® STeP certification.
Extensive product tests for harmful substances such as pesticides,PFASs or azo colorants to ensure consumer safety for OEKO-TEX®
labelled products.

Quality education
We inform and update our customers, end consumers and otherstakeholders about relevant sustainability topics to enhanceawareness and support informed decision making. Importantelement of our quality assurance system is the training of auditors.
OEKO-TEX® STeP obliges facility in conducting trainings andeducation of management and employees on social andenvironmental topics.

Gender equality
Gender equality is an important part of our OEKO-TEX® values:
Our Code of Conduct is related to the International Bill of HumanRights and the ILO labour standards to ensure an active engagement of all employees.

Clean water and sanitation
OEKO-TEX® STeP and OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT supports
facilities to monitor and optimize their chemical management
and their wastewater quality – for more agile responses to new
demands and the prevention of hazardous chemicals and disposalof untreated wastewater.

7

Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Annual Report 2022/2023

Reduced inequalities
Fair wages, working hours and equal treatment of workers without
any discrimination regarding race, origin, disability, religion, sexual
orientation and ethnicity that`s what we stand for.

Responsible consumption and production
OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN guides consumers to responsible
consumption by making supply chains transparent and traceable.
The OEKO-TEX® STeP certification ensures the long term
implementation of environmentally friendly production processes.
OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS supports companies tointegrate and practice environmental and human rights due
diligence in their management systems.

Climate action
OEKO-TEX® STeP provides a comprehensive analysis andassessment of all production processes with the aim to implement
best practices, efficient processes and reduce the carbon footprint
across the whole supply chain. OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON
supports sustainability, soil health and regenerative farming as wellas biodiversity.

Partnerships for the goals
Strong partnerships and trustworthy collaborations are key
element of our business for achieving positive impact on responsible
consumption and production. Therefore, we exchange with various
international, multi-stakeholder initiatives, such as the UN, OECD,ISEAL, ZDHC and the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles

8

OEKO-TEX®

Annual Report 2022/2023

9

OEKO-TEX® Association & Institutes

Annual Report 2022/2023

We are there foryou worldwide
Our association consists of independent research and test institutes inEurope and Japan. Together we work to continuously develop test methods,
define limit values and setting the highest standards for the textile andleather industry.
Our OEKO-TEX® testing institutes and their contact offices are present
in over 70 countries.

Institut Français duTextile et de l'Habillement

10

Our Standard Setting Process

Annual Report 2022/2023

Our Standard
Setting Process
General Manager Meeting

Our core ambition is to keep the high quality of our certification standards.
To ensure that the standards remain at the highest technical level, they are

1x Annuallyrevised every year. Various OEKO-TEX® committees track global regulations,scientific data and industry technologies and discuss about future updatesof the OEKO-TEX® standards.

Voting, Approval

Political

The committees are made up of internal and external experts fromvarious disciplines and countries. Textile engineers, technicians, chemists,
toxicologists, lawyers, social scientists, marketeers, etc. are represented so

Executive Committeethat as many perspectives as possible can be considered.

1x Annually
Through this broad expertise and the collaborative negotiation process,we create industry-leading standards that meet the high demands fortransparency and credibility. The participation of stakeholders in theVoting, Approval

OEKO-TEX® standard-setting process is highly important.
The Public Stakeholder Consultation provides input on a regular base.
StrategicThe International Advisory Board gives recommendations based on theproposals to the Steering Committee.

Steering Committee
1x Annually

Advision, Input

Public Stakeholder
Consultation

InternationalAdvisory Board

Every 2 years

1x Annually

Operational

Input

Proposals with Strategic Impact

Working Groups
Regular Meetings

Communication,
Validation, Proposals

11

TechnicalMeetings

International
Marketing Meeting

2x Annually

1x Annually

Partnerships & Initiatives

Annual Report 2022/2023

Partnerships &Initiatives

International Trade Center (ITC)UNECE Cotton &OEKO-TEX® provides information to ITC’s Standards Map, which is a market

Leather Blockchain Projects

analysis tool available on their website. It presents comprehensive and comparable information on voluntary sustainability standards to strengthen theThe specialized agencies and commissions of the United Nations arecapacity of producers, exporters and buyers with more sustainable produc-

pursuing numerous projects in the social and environmental spheres.

tion and trade. We support ITC in giving users the opportunity to review andOEKO-TEX® is engaging in two UN-Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives (MSI)

compare our standards across common themes and criteria.

focusing on transparency and traceability through Blockchain technology.
Our goal is to enable more transparency along the textile and leather
supply chains for consumers, brands and manufacturers.

ZERO DISCHARGE OF HAZARDOUS
CHEMICALS (ZDHC)

Leather Traceability Cluster

ZDHC and OEKO-TEX® deepen their collaboration with the goal to enhance

OEKO-TEX® is part of the Leather Traceability Cluster together withsustainable chemical management and cleaner chemistry principles. The

COTANCE, Leather Working Group, Sustainable Leather Foundation,

partnership seeks to drive sustainability while meeting the needs of chemical

ICEC and other relevant actors. The initiative aims for the alignment onformulators/manufacturers, suppliers, brands and retailers.

traceability schemes within the leather sector.

Universities

WRAP

Engaging with future decision makers around socially responsible and sus-OEKO-TEX® cooperates with WRAP, a comprehensive audit and certification

tainable action is vital. Therefore, OEKO-TEX® is engaged in academic dis-program, striving for alignment of standards and the reduction of duplicative

course with various universities. Part of it is the sponsorship of the Deutsch-audits.

landstipendium in cooperation with the Academy for Fashion and Design and
Hochschule Niederrhein.

12Audits

Annual Report 2022/2023

Confidence & trust
through audits.
The OEKO-TEX® testing institutes link our standards and customers.

Some of the measures we take to ensure consistent quality are:

They significantly contribute by implementing and enforcing these standards.

✓ Laboratory testing exclusively takes place at the institutes‘ headquarters.

In over 70 countries, our 17 testing institutes showcase our global presence.

✓ Our OEKO-TEX® STeP auditors receive comprehensive training from theThis expansive reach, however, presents a unique challenge in maintaining

OEKO-TEX® Association.

consistent quality standards due to diverse cultural perspectives and ongoing✓ Through control testing, we ensure the conformity of products in theexpansion.

market, while round robin tests ensure harmonized methodologies andsynchronized laboratory operations.
✓ Institute audits play a pivotal role in aligning people and processes with
our standards and principles. Thus, on a triennial basis, each testing
institute of the OEKO-TEX® Association undergoes an audit conducted bythe OEKO-TEX® secretariat. This institute audit serves as a formal checkpoint, facilitating a third-party evaluation of their procedures andpinpointing areas where the support of the OEKO-TEX® Association canbe extended.

All about audits:

32

149

7,187

new OEKO-TEX® STeP auditors

professional STeP auditors

On-site visits for STANDARD 100 andsuccessfully completed the firstworking within the OEKO-TEX®

LEATHER STANDARD were carried out.

in-person STeP auditor training

Association.

since 2019.

13

Quality Assurance

Annual Report 2022/2023

Round robintests

20

Round robin testing provides an interlaboratory comparison between ourtesting institutes. They are an important part of our strategy to ensure thehigh quality of our measuring procedures and laboratories. Identical samples
are tested with identical test methods at each institute. The results arecompared for accuracy and consistency. These important quality measures

Participating testing laboratories

allow us to make confident statements about the integrity of our certificatesand our trusted member institutes. Participation in the annual round robin

35

tests is mandatory for institutes that test for OEKO-TEX® and vital toguaranteeing the quality of our certifications.

Test parameters were checked

Product controls
The OEKO-TEX® quality assurance strategy includes control testing of
STANDARD 100, LEATHER STANDARD and ECO PASSPORT certified andMADE IN GREEN labelled products.
2022/2023 product control testing in numbers:

6,890
certificates and labels from 70 countries(32% China, 15% Bangladesh, 9% Germany)

25%
STANDARD 100 and LEATHER STANDARD certificates,
15% of ECO PASSPORT certificates and 25% of MADE IN GREEN
label owners were checked

11,066
samples taken from retail stores, during on-site visits or certificate renewal

94%of the random samples confirmed certification results
The certificate holders of failed control tests were informed. They arerequired to prove compliance with the standard and submit new samples toverify the successful implementation of the requirements. In rare cases ofcontinued failures or refusal to cooperate, the certificate is revoked.

14

Annual Report 2022/2023

Online Marketing

Marketing
Collaboration &Social Media„Transparency is the
only way to create thenecessary clarity about
where, how, from what,
and by whom clothing isdariadéh x OEKO-TEX®

produced”

MADE IN GREEN - Together for moreMadeleine Alizadehtransparency
With this collaboration, the fair fashion label dariadéh and the OEKO-TEX®
Association aim to raise awareness about the importance of transparency
in the fashion industry. Entrepreneur Madeleine Alizadeh‘s fashion label ispartnering with OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN. The traceable product label
illustrates the transparent manufacturing process of two sweaters from thedariadéh Spring-Summer Collection 2023.
dariadéh and OEKO-TEX® share the same goal: to enable consumers tomake responsible and conscious purchasing decisions.

Social Media Traffic

Instagram +27%
5,901 → 7,514 Follower

OEKO-TEX® has increased efforts to engage target audiences using
a focused social media strategy and achieved healthy KPI growth.

Facebook +10%

To further increase our social media presence in focus markets it is6,766 → 7,452 Follower

important to create engaging, educational and emotional content.

Wechat +81%
13,934 → 25,312 Follower

Twitter +7%
2,152 → 2,311 Follower

LinkedIn +26%
27,918 → 35,328 Follower
15

OEKO-TEX®

Annual Report 2022/2023

16

Annual Report 2022/2023

Statistics

Number of issued
certificates and labels+13%

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100
2021/2022: 27,428 → 2022/2023: 30,981+52%

OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN
2021/2022: 7,198 → 2022/2023: 10,975+8%

OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD
2021/2022: 87 → 2022/2023: 94

+34%
+24%
+21%

OEKO-TEX® STeP
2021/2022: 356 → 2022/2023: 478

OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT
2021/2022: 1,015 → 2022/2023: 1,258

TOTAL
2021/2022: 36,084 → 2022/2023: 43,786

Worldwide distribution ofcertificates and labels
58%

27%

Asia

# of Labels/Certificates

25,997

8%

3%

2%

1%

1%

0%

WesternEurope

EasternEuropeNorth
America

AfricaMiddle East

Central &South America

Oceania/Australia

12,019

3,320

1,137

660

337

268

4817

Expenses 2022/2023

Annual Report 2022/2023

Overview of expenses
clear focus on quality.

2%

3%

Taxes

Trademarkprotection

28%
Product
Development

35%
Qualityassurance

20%
Administration

12%
Marketing andcommunication

18

Publisher

Annual Report 2022/2023

Ensuring
sustainability andtrust in textiles andleather.
OEKO-TEX® Association
Genferstrasse 23
CH-8002 Zurich+41 44 501 26 00
info@oeko-tex.com
www.oeko-tex.com
Commercial Register Office of the Canton of Zurich