Zurich - Oeko-Tex has published updates to test criteria, limit values and guidelines for its certifications, which includes new a new organic cotton standard that will verify the reliable labeling of organic cotton textiles starting April 2023.
Scheduled come into force in Q1 2023 following a transition period other new regulations include the integration of the BHive app from GoBlu into STeP, which will enable certified production companies to check sustainability requirements and chemical management in global supply chains. In addition, Oeko-Tex has issued a general ban on the use of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS/PFC) in textiles, leather and footwear for the Standard 100, Leather Standard and Eco Passport certifications. Further changes to Oeko-Tex Eco Passport certification will make the previously voluntary self-assessment mandatory for all production sites from April 2023.
Starting April 2023, the new Oeko-Tex Organic Cotton certification will focus on reliable labeling of organic cotton textiles. "More and more consumers prefer sustainable textiles, and demand for organic cotton is growing rapidly," said Oeko-Tex Secretary General Georg Dieners. "But how reliable is their labeling?" In addition to the qualitative DNA analysis of the sample material (i.e., does a product contain genetically modified cotton, yes or no?), a second step involves quantification - determining the proportion of genetically modified cotton in a cotton product. The aim is not only to check production, but to make the raw materials traceable through the supply chain.
"What's new is that we will start checking for genetically modified cotton at the beginning of the supply chain - at the ginning stage when the cotton fibres are separated from the seed," added Dieners. "Then we can follow the flow of goods through all stages."
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