Oeko-Tex Reports Growth Across Certification Programs Ahead of EU Regulations
Textile sustainability certifier Oeko-Tex reported significant growth across its certification programs in the past year, as outlined in its 2025-2026 annual report. The organization issued over 60,495 certificates and labels for textiles and fibers meeting their standards—a 5 percent increase from the previous year. Notable gains include a 214 percent rise in Oeko-Tex Organic Cotton certifications and an expansion of its Eco Passport program to cover wastewater treatment chemicals. Oeko-Tex also highlighted strong performance in social responsibility, with over 1.3 million workers covered under its STeP certification for textile manufacturing facilities. The organization is preparing companies for the upcoming EU EmpCo Directive on sustainability labeling, which will require third-party verified certifications starting September 27, 2026. CEO Alfred J. Beerli emphasized that Oeko-Tex's programs are well-aligned with new regulatory requirements and positioned to support industry compliance as transparency becomes increasingly critical in textile supply chains.
Topics: certification programs sustainability textile industry