The Oeko-Tex Association has announced which regulations have been adjusted for 2025. The new regulations will come into force on April 1, 2025 after a transition period. For the textile seal Default 100 From then on, the awarding of this seal no longer provides any information as to whether the cotton is “organic” or “GMO (genetically modified organisms)-free”. This is intended to improve control over organic cotton, as fraud is widespread in this area. In addition, the limit value for bisphenol A will be reduced from 100 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg. For the leather seal Leather standard In view of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which was recently postponed by a year, it is mandatory to provide proof of origin for cattle, e.g. B. delivery notes from the slaughterhouse) in order to have products certified with the Leather Standard seal.
The label Made in green certifies textile and leather products that they are traceable and sustainably produced in socially responsible companies. This previously recognized the Standard 100 and Leather Standard labels in order to be able to prove that the products were free of harmful substances. Now the organic cotton label is also available Organic cotton recognized by Made in Green.
For the seal Stepwhich certifies companies rather than products, Oeko-Tex is expanding its collaboration with the ZDHC organization. With the Step certificate, companies can then be recognized as part of the Supplier to Zero program. The label Eco Passportwhich certifies chemicals, colorants and auxiliary materials, will be expanded this year to include raw materials and maintenance chemicals, which are manufactured and used on a large scale at the beginning of supply chains. The aim of this expansion is to remove pollutants from circulation earlier, to improve occupational safety and environmental protection and to provide more comprehensive monitoring throughout Textextile and leather sector. In addition, second-life raw chemicals undergo more frequent testing to ensure quality. In addition, Oeko-Tex will in future place emphasis on the biodegradability of chemicals for the Eco Passport. Certified surfactants, plasticizers or complexing agents must provide proof of biodegradability, which is verified either by an Oeko-Tex institute or an approved third party. Existing certified products in these categories have a one-year grace period to comply.