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Launched in 2015, the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label stands for tested product safety, more sustainable manufacturing processes and improved working conditions throughout global supply chains. This year, the label celebrates its 10th anniversary.
“Brands and retailers must remain at the forefront of both current and emerging consumer expectations, as well as evolving regulatory requirements, which increasingly scrutinize the entire production history of a given product,” says Jean-Pierre Haug, COO of Testex, an OEKO-TEX institute. “MADE IN GREEN offers a valuable solution for brands and retailers seeking to convey confidence and trust at the point of sale.”
The origins of MADE IN GREEN
The MADE IN GREEN label was developed in April 2015 to set new benchmarks for transparency. The Rana Plaza textile factory collapse triggered global awareness of social and environmental responsibility in the textile industry. OEKO-TEX, with two decades of promoting transparency and trust in supply chains, created MADE IN GREEN to set a new standard. By integrating multiple certifications into one traceable and consumer-facing label, it communicates verified safety, sustainability and social responsibility in a single label.
Combined product safety as a foundation
Products bearing the OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN label signify verified product safety, environmentally responsible manufacturing and fair working conditions across the supply chain. To qualify for the label product certification, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, ORGANIC COTTON or LEATHER STANDARD is required.
The use of chemicals certified under OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT further enhances product safety and enables manufacturers to reduce testing efforts and certification costs, supported by a comprehensive database of more than 35,000 certified companies.
Social responsibility as a core element
Social and ecological responsibility within production processes is the central pillar of MADE IN GREEN. As such, OEKO-TEX STeP certification is mandatory for making up and wet spinning production facilities. The STeP “Social Responsibility” module is based on the core standards of the International Labour Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. These standards include fundamental rights such as freedom of association, occupational safety, and the prohibition of child labor, forced labor and discrimination. Compliance is regularly assessed through audits, including evaluation of approximately 70 social criteria and validated through interviews with employees across various departments. In 2024 alone, OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN contributed to improved working conditions for nearly two million textile workers within global supply chains.
Focus on chemical safety
Chemical safety is another priority area. OEKO-TEX has long set rigorous standards in this field. Through comprehensive audits and employee surveys, the OEKO-TEX STeP Health & Safety module assesses manufacturers on important areas, such as chemical management, safety training and proper storage. To prevent contamination of waterways, an annual wastewater inspection report is also required.
Growing interest from industry and retail
Adoption of the MADE IN GREEN label continues to accelerate. Over the past financial year, the number of issued labels grew by 52%. Since 2015, more than 43,000 labels have been granted to over 9,200 manufacturers in 88 countries. In 2024 alone, 16,927 labels were issued across 39 countries, with Germany and key production hubs in Asia—Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and China—leading adoption. Interest is also growing in the U.S. and U.K. Commonly labelled items include home textiles (bedding, towels), apparel (t-shirts, sweatshirts, workwear, trousers) and specialty products, such as yoga and children’s play mats.
Recognition by independent bodies
OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN’s credibility has earned it recognition from several independent organizations. The label is included in the ITC Standards Map and the Siegelklarheit platform, and it is recognized by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly program. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency acknowledges MADE IN GREEN for meeting stringent criteria in apparel and textiles. In France, companies can receive the Refashion Bonus for Eco-Modulation when offering OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN-certified products.
“When Greenpeace included us in their Label Guide in 2018, it was a great honor. OEKO-TEX®MADE IN GREEN was among the three best labels in the test,” says Martin Cieslik, head of global marketing and sales at Hohenstein Group. “Being judged as trustworthy by a strict external peer group told me that MADE IN GREEN is making a difference. A few years later, Greenpeace even used our label for some of its own products.”