OEKO-TEX® is intensifying its efforts to safeguard biodiversity. As part of this commitment, OEKO-TEX® is working with the environmental organisation Global Nature Fund on the project ‘Businesses for Biological Diversity’. Together, OEKO-TEX® and Global Nature Fund have analysed biodiversity aspects at the production level and developed specific criteria for the OEKO-TEX® STeP facility certification.
“Healthy ecosystems are a vital foundation for environmentally responsible and sustainable textile and leather production. They are essential for long-term economic stability and success,” says Carolin Franitza, Stakeholder Manager at OEKO-TEX®. “Our partnership aims to raise awareness of biodiversity within the industry and provide practical guidance.”
Biodiversity in Focus: Global Nature Fund Reviews Textile Standards
As part of the ‘Engaging German Companies for Biodiversity – UBi’ project, Global Nature Fund, in cooperation with the Lake Constance Foundation, reviewed relevant standards and certifications in the textile and apparel industry to assess the extent to which they include effective requirements for the protection of biodiversity.
The criteria and requirements were evaluated for their effectiveness in safeguarding biological diversity, their weighting within certification systems, and their transparency and verifiability. The findings were discussed in expert forums with standard setters, textile companies and other specialists, leading to joint recommendations on how biodiversity can be better integrated in future.
New Biodiversity Criteria in the OEKO-TEX® STeP Standard 02.2025
As part of its annual revision, OEKO-TEX®, together with the Global Nature Fund, has updated the OEKO-TEX® STeP requirements based on these insights. The revised regulations will come into effect in September 2025.
“Even today, OEKO-TEX® STeP certified facilities have made remarkable progress in reducing their environmental impact,” says Alisia Mätz, Product Manager OEKO-TEX® STeP. “This includes measures such as 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 place greater emphasis on biodiversity. The updated standard highlights sustainable raw material sourcing and the protection of natural habitats, while also addressing practices that contribute to biodiversity loss. From now on, OEKO-TEX® STeP certified production sites will be required to implement biodiversity management plans, set specific targets and provide regular reporting.
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 OEKO-TEX®’s commitment,” says Louisa Lösing, Head of Business and Biodiversity at Global Nature Fund, “and support the approach of developing practical solutions that reach as many companies as possible, helping to protect biodiversity – and with it, our environment.”
The new OEKO-TEX® STeP Standard is available here.
