OEKO-TEX® is strengthening its commitment to the protection of biodiversity. To this end, OEKO-TEX® is working with the nature conservation organization Global Nature Fund in the project “Unternehmen
Biodiversity” together. OEKO-TEX® and the Global Nature Fund have analyzed biodiversity aspects at production level and developed specific criteria for the
OEKO-TEX® STeP factory certification.
“Healthy ecosystems are an essential component of environmentally conscious and sustainable textile and leather production. They are essential for long-term economic success.
stability and success,” says Carolin Franitza, Stakeholder Manager OEKO-TEX®. “The aim of our cooperation is to sensitize the industry to the issue of biodiversity and to
to provide practical information.”
Focus on biodiversity: Global Nature Fund analyzes textile standards
As part of the “Unternehmen Biologische Vielfalt – UBi” project, the Global Nature Fund, together with the Lake Constance Foundation, has identified relevant standards and certifications in the textile and clothing industry.
to what extent they contain effective requirements for the protection of biodiversity. The criteria and requirements were evaluated in terms of their effectiveness for the protection of biodiversity, their weighting within the standard or company certification systems and their transparency and verifiability. The results were discussed in expert meetings with the standard setters, companies in the textile industry and other experts and led to joint recommendations on how biodiversity can be given greater consideration in future.
can be used.
New biodiversity criteria in the OEKO-TEX® STeP Standard 02.2025
In the course of the annual revision, OEKO-TEX® together with the Global Nature Fund adapted the requirements for OEKO-TEX® STeP based on the findings. The
The updated regulations come into force in September 2025. “Already today, OEKO-TEX® STeP certified companies have made remarkable progress in reducing their environmental impact,” says Alisia Mätz, Product Manager OEKOTEX® STeP. “For example, through water management, wastewater recycling, the use of environmentally friendly chemicals and the prevention of soil and air pollution.” Building on this strong foundation, the OEKO-TEX® STeP criteria have been expanded to promote biodiversity even more strongly. The updated standard defines
places particular emphasis on the sustainable procurement of raw materials and the protection of natural habitats and specifically addresses practices that contribute to the loss of biodiversity. From
OEKO-TEX® STeP certified production facilities must now have management plans,
implement concrete objectives and reporting on the topic of biodiversity.
Long-term responsibility for the environment and industry
With the expansion of the OEKO-TEX® STeP criteria, OEKO-TEX® is committed to establishing biodiversity as an integral part of sustainable production. “We welcome the commitment of OEKO-TEX®,” says Louisa Lösing, Head of Business and Biodiversity at the Global Nature Fund, “and support the approach of developing practical solutions that reach as many companies as possible and protect biodiversity and thus our environment.”
You can find the new OEKO-TEX® STeP Standard here: OEKO-TEX_STeP_Standard_EN_EN.pdf
About OEKO-TEX®
For 30 years, OEKO-TEX® has been offering standardized solutions that enable companies in the textile and leather industry to optimize their manufacturing processes transparently and sustainably
can. Based on scientific principles, OEKO-TEX® contributes to bringing high-quality, safe and sustainable products onto the market. Currently working
35,000 manufacturers, brands and retailers in more than 100 countries work together with OEKO-TEX®. At the same time, millions of consumers are using around
Around the world, consumers use the OEKO-TEX® labels as a guide for their responsible purchasing decisions.
www.oeko-tex.com
About “Unternehmen Biologische Vielfalt – UBi”
The aim of the “Unternehmen Biologische Vielfalt – UBi” project is to support the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy (NBS) and make companies aware of the issue of biodiversity.
to activate biodiversity. The project is funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) with funds from the Federal Ministry for the Environment,
Climate Protection, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). Both the recommendations for biodiversity criteria in the textile industry standards and the biodiversity sector check for the textile industry were developed by the Global Nature Fund as part of the UBi project. Other project partners are: The Lake Constance Foundation, ‘Biodiversity in Good Company’-Initiative e.V., DIHK Service GmbH &
Collaborating Center on Sustainable Consumption and Production (CSCP).
www.unternehmen-biologische-vielfalt.de
About the Global Nature Fund (GNF)
The Global Nature Fund (GNF) is an internationally active foundation with many years of experience in the implementation of nature conservation and water projects. The GNF is committed to sustainable global development within planetary boundaries through worldwide nature and environmental protection projects. The aim is to promote a healthy planet and intact biodiversity as the basis of life for people and nature. The GNF focuses on nature and climate protection, water protection and business & biodiversity, i.e. working with the private sector to protect biodiversity. The Global Nature Fund (GNF) has been supporting companies for more than 15 years in the assessment of biodiversity impacts and risks and in the development of biodiversity protection measures.
www.globalnature.org
About the Lake Constance Foundation
The Lake Constance Foundation is a private environmental and nature conservation organization based in
Radolfzell on Lake Constance. The foundation works on a project-oriented basis for greater sustainability and
nature conservation in the international Lake Constance region and beyond. Work is carried out in
the four fields of action: energy transition, agriculture & food, nature & environment
Water protection and companies & biodiversity with different
Focal points.
www.bodensee-stiftung.org
