OEKO-TEX® joins the UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network to support global sustainability

OEKO-TEX® is now an official member of the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network (UNFLN). This platform brings together key players from the fashion and lifestyle industries, policy makers, civil society, and the UN to collaborate on the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By joining this network, OEKO-TEX® can engage more effectively with global policy dialogues and contribute to initiatives that address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As a member, OEKO-TEX® will actively work on advancing sustainable practices within the fashion and lifestyle sectors. This includes sharing expertise in areas such as sustainable supply chain certification, environmental performance, and transparency. The network fosters collaborative action, which is essential for driving systemic change across industries. With OEKO-TEX®’s engagement in the UNFLN, the organization can influence how sustainability is integrated into global fashion, lifestyle, and textile practices.

TESTEX: Leading the Charge as Official Representative

TESTEX, the official representative of the OEKO-TEX® Association within the UNFLN, plays a pivotal role in this effort. As part of this responsibility, TESTEX will bring its technical and scientific expertise to the network, focusing on sustainable practices in textile production, environmental impact evaluation, and supply chain transparency. TESTEX is also committed to supporting the development of frameworks for traceability and responsible sourcing.

This role highlights TESTEX’s long-standing involvement in public-private partnerships and its influence in international standard-setting. TESTEX has contributed to policy developments such as the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles and the upcoming Green Claims Directive. The partnership with the UNFLN enhances TESTEX’s position as a leader in sustainable practices and policy development within the industry.

OEKO-TEX® and the SDGs: Making a Tangible Impact

OEKO-TEX®’s participation in the UNFLN underscores its ongoing commitment to advancing the SDGs. The organization actively supports a variety of sustainability goals through its certification programs:

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 ensures products are free of harmful substances, supporting consumer health and safety.
• SDG 5 – Gender Equality: The OEKO-TEX® STeP certification promotes gender-sensitive policies and equitable workplace practices.
• SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: STeP’s criteria for wastewater management, chemical handling, and water use optimization help conserve water resources.
• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: The STeP certification assesses labor practices, workplace safety, and fair employment standards across global supply chains.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Certification standards are inclusive, making sustainable practices accessible across various regions and company sizes.
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: The MADE IN GREEN label offers consumers product traceability and sustainability data to support informed purchasing decisions.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: OEKO-TEX® tools integrate environmental impact metrics and carbon performance to encourage climate-friendly production.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: OEKO-TEX® collaborates with global organizations to align sustainability standards and methodologies.

These certifications help create a more sustainable industry by promoting transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain, from production to consumption.

A Bigger Role in Global Policy Platforms

By joining the UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network, OEKO-TEX® and TESTEX now have a platform for engaging in high-level discussions and policy development on a global scale. Members of the network participate in UN sustainability dialogues, contributing scientific expertise and sharing best practices in areas such as textile production and supply chain management. This increased visibility ensures that OEKO-TEX®’s contributions reach a wider audience, influencing international standards and helping shape the future of sustainable fashion and lifestyle goods.