18-05-2022
As one of the official OEKO-TEX® certification centres, AITEX actively promotes standards that ensure safety, sustainability, and traceability in the textile and leather industries. The OEKO-TEX® 2024/2025 annual report highlights progress made in response to growing demands for transparency and environmental responsibility. This summary outlines the year’s most significant milestones, including the tenth anniversary of the MADE IN GREEN label, improvements in chemical management, and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
OEKO-TEX® has strengthened its role as a benchmark in textile and leather certification, issuing over 57,000 certificates in the past year. Its mission remains clear: to empower consumers and industry stakeholders with reliable certifications that prioritise health and the environment. Collaboration with 17 testing institutes and strategic partnerships—such as Cradle to Cradle and the Global Nature Fund—have been key to advancing traceability, biodiversity, and water management.
MADE IN GREEN: 10 Years of Impact
The MADE IN GREEN label celebrates its tenth anniversary with over 18,000 labelled products and a global campaign that reached more than 8 million people. The “Wear what feels right” initiative was promoted across social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn, generating over 20 million impressions and featuring influencer collaborations to encourage responsible consumer choices.
Chemical Management and Safety
Updates to the MRSL and RSL lists introduced new restrictions: a ban on fragrances in all products, stricter limits on bisphenols, and the exclusion of active substances in baby items. Additionally, ECO PASSPORT expanded its scope to include maintenance chemicals and basic products, incorporating biodegradability requirements.
Commitment to the SDGs
OEKO-TEX® actively contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing issues such as gender equality, occupational health, clean water, climate action, and responsible consumption. The STeP, ORGANIC COTTON, and MADE IN GREEN certifications are key tools for implementing sustainable practices throughout the value chain.
Audits and Quality Assurance
Over 10,000 on-site visits and 45,000 tests were conducted to ensure the quality of certified products. A total of 26 new STeP auditors were trained and 39 were retrained, reinforcing global consistency in standards. Interlaboratory tests (Round Robin) ensure accuracy and harmonisation among institutes.
Claims Management and Brand Protection
OEKO-TEX® received 42 claims, mainly related to certification processes and working conditions. Response mechanisms and unannounced audits have been implemented to maintain credibility. Legal protection of its registered trademarks has also been strengthened across multiple jurisdictions.
Key figures
> Certificates issued: 57.412 (+10%)
> ORGANIC COTTON certificates: +174%
> ECO PASSPORT certificates: +10%
> STeP certificates: +12%
> MADE IN GREEN certificates: +8%
> Geographical distribution: 62% in Asia, 27% in Western Europe
At AITEX, we reaffirm our commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, aligning with the values and objectives of OEKO-TEX®. The evolution of its certifications and tools, alongside strengthened audits and international partnerships, enables us to offer increasingly comprehensive and reliable solutions to the industry. This annual report not only reflects collective progress but also highlights the essential role played by centres like AITEX in driving a more responsible and transparent textile production model.