What is OEKO-TEX®?

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OEKO-TEX® originated in Germany and Austria, which its name comes from the German language."OEKO" comes from the German word "Öko", which is short for "ökologisch", meaning "ecological" or "environmentally friendly". Because "Ö" is not commonly used internationally, it was adapted to "OE" for global readability — hence OEKO-TEX. "TEX" stands for Textiles. So, OEKO-TEX essentially means "ecological textiles", emphasizing safety and environmental responsibility.

In a world where textile production spans multiple countries and involves complex supply chains, ensuring the safety and environmental responsibility of fabrics has become a significant concern for consumers and brands alike. This is where OEKO-TEX® comes in—a globally recognized organization that sets rigorous testing and certification standards for textiles, ensuring that products are safe for human use and produced in environmentally responsible ways.

OEKO-TEX® is an international association of independent testing and research institutes dedicated to developing test methods, setting limits, and certifying textiles at every stage of production. Founded in 1992, OEKO-TEX® has grown into one of the most widely recognized labels for textile safety and sustainability worldwide.

Its primary mission is to help consumers and companies make responsible decisions by verifying that textile products are free from harmful levels of substances that could pose health risks. Beyond chemical safety, OEKO-TEX® also addresses social and environmental standards in manufacturing.

In today’s interconnected textile industry, fabrics often pass through many hands, facilities, and countries before reaching the consumer. With this complexity comes a need for trust, safety, and transparency in textile production. OEKO-TEX® is one of the most recognized organizations worldwide addressing these concerns, setting high standards for chemical safety, environmental responsibility, and ethical manufacturing.

What is OEKO-TEX®?

Founded in 1992, OEKO-TEX® is a global association of independent research and testing institutes. Its mission is to create and maintain standards that:

  • Ensure textile products are safe for human health.

  • Promote environmentally friendly manufacturing.

  • Support socially responsible working conditions.

Unlike many certifications that focus only on raw materials, OEKO-TEX® covers the entire textile supply chain — from yarns and fabrics to finished garments, leather goods, and even chemical inputs.

The OEKO-TEX® Standard System

OEKO-TEX® is not a single certification — it’s a portfolio of standards, each serving a specific purpose:

  1. STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®

    • The most widely known label.

    • Certifies textiles tested for harmful substances and found safe for human health.

    • Covers hundreds of chemicals, including legally regulated substances and many that are not yet regulated but are scientifically known to be harmful.

    • Stricter limits for products intended for babies and sensitive skin.

  2. LEATHER STANDARD by OEKO-TEX®

    • Equivalent to STANDARD 100, but specifically for leather products.

  3. ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX®

    • Certifies textile chemicals, colorants, and auxiliaries as safe for use in sustainable textile production.

  4. STeP by OEKO-TEX® (Sustainable Textile & Leather Production)

    • A facility-level certification assessing environmental performance, chemical management, social responsibility, and workplace safety.

    • Designed to replace and expand upon the older Standard 1000 (more on that below).

  5. MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX®

    • A product label indicating that the item is STANDARD 100 certified and manufactured in a STeP-certified facility.

    • Includes a unique product ID or QR code for supply chain traceability.

    • Created to replace and modernize the older Standard 100plus (details below).

  6. DETOX TO ZERO by OEKO-TEX®

    • A verification system for evaluating chemical management in line with Greenpeace Detox requirements.

  7. RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS by OEKO-TEX®

    • Assesses a company’s overall business practices against OECD and UN guidelines for responsible corporate conduct.

***Before STeP and MADE IN GREEN existed, OEKO-TEX® used two additional standards that are important to understand historically:

OEKO-TEX® Standard 1000 (Launched 1995)

  • A factory-level certification for environmentally friendly and socially responsible textile production.

  • Evaluated waste management, emissions control, chemical handling, energy use, and occupational safety.

  • Focused on verifying that production facilities met strict ecological and social criteria.

  • Eventually replaced by STeP in 2013, which expanded the scope to include more social responsibility and chemical management modules.

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100plus

  • A combined product label indicating that the product was both:

    1. STANDARD 100 certified (safe for human health).

    2. Produced in a Standard 1000 certified facility.

  • It was essentially “product safety + responsible production” in one label.

  • Phased out around 2014–2015 and replaced by MADE IN GREEN, which added supply chain traceability via QR codes and aligned better with modern sustainability demands.***

Certification Process

While the details vary by standard, OEKO-TEX® certification typically involves:

  1. Application – The manufacturer applies to a member institute for a specific standard.

  2. Product and/or Facility Testing – Samples are analyzed for chemical safety; facilities are audited for environmental, social, and safety compliance.

  3. Documentation Review – Applicants must disclose materials, suppliers, and processes.

  4. Annual Renewal – Certification must be renewed every year, with updated testing and/or audits.

The criteria are updated regularly to reflect new scientific findings and regulatory changes.

Why OEKO-TEX® Matters

For Consumers

  • Confidence that textiles are free from harmful substances.

  • Assurance that certain products were made in environmentally and socially responsible facilities.

  • Ability to trace product origins with MADE IN GREEN labels.

For Businesses

  • Demonstrates commitment to safety, sustainability, and social responsibility.

  • Meets or exceeds regulatory requirements in multiple countries.

  • Builds brand credibility in eco-conscious markets.

For the Industry

  • Provides a unified global benchmark, reducing the complexity of meeting multiple regional standards.

  • Encourages continuous improvement in manufacturing practices.

OEKO-TEX® Today

The shift from Standard 1000 → STeP and Standard 100plus → MADE IN GREEN reflects OEKO-TEX®’s focus on greater transparency, traceability, and comprehensive sustainability.

  • STANDARD 100 remains the foundation for product safety.

  • STeP ensures that the place of production operates sustainably and responsibly.

  • MADE IN GREEN combines both and adds traceability — the modern successor to 100plus.

Release time: 2025-08-20

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