OEKO-TEX® provides an overview of its support for greater transparency in the leather supply chain. Report by ILM.

Greater transparency is foundational to respect human and environmental rights along international product journeys and eventually achieving systemic change. Yet, global supply chains remain fragmented and opaque.

In fact, Fashion Revolution’s 2023 Transparency Index, that measures public disclosure of information of 250 of the world’s largest fashion and leather brands, finds just 1% publish the number of workers in their supply chains being paid a living wage. In terms of water and chemicals only 7% of major brands publish their supplier wastewater testing results.

To meet increased transparency demands of consumers and upcoming supply chain legislation many leather companies aim a greater disclosure of information about their social and environmental policies and practices, in their operations and supply chains. But how can the gap between aiming and doing be closed?

The international OEKO-TEX® association, consisting of 17 independent testing and researching institutes in Europe and Asia, supports leather companies and suppliers with their modular product certification and label system. Greater transparency can be achieved with the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN product label.

It combines product testing for harmful substances and subsequent certification according to the OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD with facility certifications by OEKO-TEX® STeP to create environmentally friendly production processes as well as socially responsible and safe working conditions.

OEKO-TEX® offers a network of over 21,000 certified companies around the world for easier sourcing of chemicals, materials and business partners. Our standards are compliance with global regulations, including the EU REACH directive, CPSIA and the ECHA-SVHC candidate list.

Additionally, the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label is a transparent communication tool to inform consumers and other stakeholders about a company’s responsible actions by a unique product ID or QR code in the OEKO-TEX® Label Check.