Oeko-Tex has announced the launch of its Responsible Business tool and certification for brands, retailers and traders in the textile and leather sectors achieving due diligence compliance.,writes ILM.

This new tool allows companies to choose between a self-assessment of their due diligence status or third-party certification validated by an Oeko-Tex institute.

With this new product, Oeko-Tex aims to “prevent and mitigate existing and potential negative impacts of companies’ own business operations, their supply chains and in their wider business relationships”.

The standard is based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), the OECD Guideline for Multinational Enterprises, the OECD Due Diligence Guidance Textile and Footwear and the OECD Guideline for Responsible Business Conduct.

It also ensures compliance with the German Supply Chain Act and the proposed European Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence. The certificate, valid for three years, includes annual compliance audits and can subsequently be extended.