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The Green Button Standard slightly adapted: The Green Button 2.0.1

 

The Green Button Standard 2.0 was published in June 2022. It has been successfully in use ever since. To date, 61 companies have already been audited in accordance with the ambitious standard version and are therefore licensed with the Green Button 2.0.  

In the process of implementing the Green Button 2.0, there has been feedback from relevant Green Button stakeholders, to which the Green Button responds now with a slightly adapted version of the standard. Reasons for these adaptations are for example the extended transition period for the fibre requirements, the accreditation qualification of the Green Button Programme by the German Accreditation Body and the OECD Alignment Assessment of the Green Button. The central normative documents are now being adapted based on the feedback we received out of these processes. 

An overview of the changes

 

The new requirements are published today, come into force on December 1st 2024 and are binding from then on. Licence holders, certification bodies and other stakeholders must comply with and implement the changes to the standard document. There is no need for a special evaluation; instead, the assessment will take place during the next regular evaluation. 

The specific changes are listed in the following documents: There is one document version in which the parts that have changed compared to the Green Button 2.0 are highlighted in yellow in the text, as well as a cleared document version. Each document also contains an overview of the changes made in the version table. As the publication of the English documents will only follow shortly, the links provided below will lead you to the German documents: 

If you are a licensed or interested company and have any questions about the slight adaptations, please feel free to attend our open Q&A sessions

  • for licence holders: every Wednesday between 09:00 and 10:00 a.m. 
  • for interested companies: every second Thursday between 09:30 and 10:30 a.m. 

When it comes to the certification bodies, the adaptions in the central documents have already been and will still be discussed in the regular calibration meetings. 

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End of Transitional Period for Green Button 1.0 Recognized Certification Labels and Newly Recognized Labels I 01.08.2024

 

August 1st 2024 marks the end of the transition period for Green Button 1.0 recognised labels. From this date, companies may only list new Green Button products that carry labels that are recognised for Green Button 2.0 at the manufacturing and wet process stages of the supply chain. The requirements for raw material extraction (fibres and materials) are subject to a transitional period until 31.07.2026. Only after this date will these requirements become binding. 

A currently valid version of the list of recognised labels can always be found in the download area of the Grüner Knopf website. This list might be updated in the future. Most recently, two labels have successfully passed the benchmarking process and are thus now recognised as a certification label for production process requirements (meta-label approach) under Green Button 2.0: 

  • Cradle to Cradle Certified® (C2C Certified®) Silver-Gold-Platinum: for wet processes
  • Fairtrade Textile Standard: for wet processes 

This newly evaluated certification label complements the recognised certification labels published in the last months: 

  • bluesign®PRODUCT: For the recognition scope wet processes. For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of virgin polyester and down 
  • Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of cotton 
  • Fairtrade Cotton: For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of cotton 
  • Fairtrade Textile Standard: For the recognition scope manufacturing 
  • Fairwear Foundation Good Status: For the recognition scope manufacturing 
  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): for manufacturing and wet processes and for the fibre and material production for the use of plant-based and animal fibres and for the use of man-made fibres with a proportion greater than 10% and less than 30% in the final product  
  • Global Recycled Standard (GRS): For the recognition scope wet processes in combination with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and for fibre and material use for the use of recycled man-made and plant-based fibres 
  • Naturtextil IVN zertifiziert BEST: For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based and animal fibres 
  • Organic Content Standard (OCS): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the proof of plant-based and animal fibres as well as regenerated fibres 
  • OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN: For the recognition scope manufacturing and wet processes 
  • OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100: For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of virgin polyester (product class 1-3) as well as for the use of recycled fibres and materials 
  • OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 „organic“: For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of organic cotton if "organic" is shown in the scope of the certificate (only possible until 1 April 2025) 
  • OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON: For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of organic cotton  
  • Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the proof of recycled man-made and plant-based fibres 
  • Responsible Down Standard (RDS): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of down 
  • Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of Mohair 
  • Responsible Wool Standard (RWS): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of Wool 
  • SA8000: For the recognition scope manufacturing 

All certification labels recognised for Green Button regarding the supply chain levels wet processing and manufacturing as well as fibre and material use can be found here. The list will be continuously supplemented and updated. To understand which fibres and materials require which label, you must read the list in conjunction with the list of approved fibres and materials

To meet the Green Button requirements for production processes and to be able to label products, companies must demonstrate recognised certification labels for all three areas (fibre and material use, wet processes, manufacturing). Moreover, companies must demonstrate compliance with the requirements for corporate due diligence processes within a Green Button audit. 

Recognition of the aforementioned certification labels is the result of a recognition process outlined in this fact sheet as well as in Green Button Standard 2.0: Process and Requirements for the Recognition of Certification Labels. Newly recognised certification labels were assessed prior to their recognition to determine whether they met the content requirements of the Green Button Standard as well as the eligibility requirements, which include requirements for their credibility. The recognition of the certification labels issued by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is valid until the next revision of the Green Button. The recognition of the certification labels issued by the BMZ is valid until the next revision of the Green Button. Should the certification label itself undergo changes, it is to be reviewed in accordance with the Green Button Standard whether the recognition needs to be elicited in a new benchmarking. 

Documents for download: 

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Comparison shows: Green Button companies well prepared for the German Supply Chain Act

 

The German Supply Chain Act (LkSG) has been in force since January 2021. For the first time, companies above a certain size are legally obliged to do what Green Button companies have been doing voluntarily since 2019: demonstrably take responsibility for their supply chains. In order to support companies in complying with the legal regulations, the Green Button Secretariate has drawn up a comparison of the requirements of the LkSG with those of the Green Button. The document shows where requirements overlap and where there are differences.   

The good news for all Green Button-licensed companies first: Green Button-licensed companies are already well prepared for the LkSG and in some cases better positioned than the law currently expects. Green Button companies are in a particularly good position with regard to the policy of responsible business conduct or the prevention measures of their direct suppliers.   

Many overlaps between the Green Button standard and the law’s requirements 

The comparison shows that the law and the Green Button place similar requirements on companies overall and often only differ in details. For example, both the law and the Green Button require the development of a policy on responsible business conduct. However, the requirements for the content of the policy statement are more detailed in the Green Button Standard than in the LkSG.   

Even regarding requirements where the content appears to differ at first glance, a closer look reveals that they lead to the same result. For example, the policy on responsible business conduct in the law is regarded as a preventive measure and is closely linked to the risk analysis. In the Green Button, the policy is the cornerstone of responsible corporate governance and is not seen as a preventive measure. However, this does not change the implementation, as a policy statement with relevant content must be available in both cases.   

Furthermore, although some requirements of the law are not a direct part of the Green Button requirements, they are often requested as part of the verification process and/or as part of the surveillance audit.  For example, in contrast to the law, the Green Button requirements do not ask about the process in which the management is informed about risk management. However, a process description is part of the verification process in the audit.    

Differences mainly regarding risk analysis and grievance procedures 

In addition to these overlaps, there are also a few differences. One notable difference is the depth of the risk analysis.  Here, the requirements of the Green Button go beyond those of the law. With the Green Button, the risk analysis covers the entire textile supply chain from the outset. This includes all production activities in all sourcing countries right down to the origin of the raw materials. No distinction is made between direct suppliers with a direct contractual relationship and indirect suppliers without a contractual relationship. The derivation and implementation of preventive measures is based on the prioritized risks from the risk analysis. This is a significant difference to the LkSG: there, preventive measures are primarily required of direct suppliers. For suppliers in the deeper supply chain without a direct contractual relationship, corrective measures are only required if there is substantiated knowledge of violations.  

In addition, the law and the GK take different approaches with regard to grievance procedures and mechanisms. The Green Button takes an implementation-oriented approach: Companies must address existing grievance mechanisms in the supply chain in their risk analysis and evaluate them in terms of their effectiveness. Sensible measures are then defined on this basis.  The law, on the other hand, requires companies to set up their own grievance mechanisms per se and places high demands on the rules of procedure.   

You can find the complete comparison of the requirements here.

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Fair Wear Foundation (Good) recognised for the Green Button 2.0

 

Another certification label has successfully passed the benchmarking process and is now recognised as a certification label for production process requirements (meta-label approach) under the Green Button 2.0. 

From now on, the following certification label will be accepted: 

Fair Wear Foundation Good status: for manufacturing 

This newly evaluated certification label complements the recognised certification labels published in the last months: 

  • bluesign®PRODUCT: For the recognition scope wet processes. For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of virgin polyester and down. 
  • Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based fibres 
  • Fairtrade Cotton: For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based fibres 
  • Fairtrade Textile Standard: For the recognition scope manufacturing 
  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): for manufacturing and wet processes and for the fibre and material production for the use of plant-based and animal fibres and for the use of man-made fibres with a proportion greater than 10% and less than 30% in the final product.  
  • Global Recycled Standard (GRS): For the recognition scope wet processes in combination with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and for fibre and material use for the use of recycled man-made and plant-based fibres 
  • Naturtextil IVN zertifiziert BEST: For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based and animal fibres 
  • Organic Content Standard (OCS): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based and animal fibres as well as regenerated fibres 
  • OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN: For the recognition scope manufacturing and wet processes. For the recognition scope of fiber and material use for the use of virgin polyester (product class 1-3) or the use of organic cotton  
  • OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100: For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of virgin polyester (product class 1-3) as well as for the use of recycled fibers and materials 
  • OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 „organic“: For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of organic cotton 
  • OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON: For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of organic cotton  
  • Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of recycled man-made and plant-based fibres 
  • Responsible Down Standard (RDS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of down. 
  • Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of animal fibres
  • Responsible Wool Standard (RWS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of animal fibres
  • SA8000: For the recognition scope manufacturing 

All certification labels recognised for the Green Button regarding the supply chain levels wet processing and manufacturing as well as fibre and material use can be found here. The list will be continuously supplemented and updated. This document lists all fibres and materials approved for the Green Button 2.0, combined with the respective recognised certification labels.  

To meet the Green Button requirements for production processes and to be able to label products, companies must demonstrate recognised certification labels for all three areas (fibre and material use, wet processes, manufacturing). Prior to this, companies must demonstrate compliance with the requirements for corporate due diligence processes within a Green Button audit. 

Recognition of the aforementioned certification labels is the result of a recognition process outlined in this fact sheet as well as in Green Button Standard 2.0: Process and Requirements for the Recognition of Certification Labels. Newly recognised certification labels were assessed prior to their recognition to determine whether they meet the content requirements of the Green Button Standard as well as the eligibility requirements, which include requirements for their credibility. The recognition of the certification labels issued by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is valid until the next revision of the Green Button. The recognition of the certification labels issued by the BMZ is valid until the next revision of the Green Button. Should the certification label itself undergo changes, it is to be reviewed in accordance with the Green Button Standard whether the recognition needs to be elicited in a new benchmarking. 

Documents for download 

 

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It’s a wrap: Joint webinar series on EU Textile Strategy has come to an end

 

What started in September 2023 as a joint webinar series by the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, the Green Button and GIZ FABRIC has now come to an end – leaving the organizational team very satisfied with the outcome of the series. The six webinar sessions took participants on a journey through the complex landscape of upcoming EU legislations under the EU Textile Strategy. Important regulations that will affect companies in the textile sector were introduced in detail and the large numbers of participants in all sessions proved the relevance of the topic.  

Each session featured various experts in their respective fields who shared their perspectives on what is to come and how stakeholders can prepare.  

This way, the webinar series provided participants with: 

  • an introduction to the wider EU policy landscape and how upcoming legislations relate to international obligations 
  • a deep dive into specific legislative initiatives that will transform the textile and apparel sector in the coming years  
  • a better understanding of how these initiatives will likely impact companies and global supply chains. 

Prepraing for what lies ahead - collaboration is key 

The regulations that were presented in detail were: the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the Waste Framework Regulation and Extended Producer Responsibility, the Ban of Products made with Forced Labour and the Green Claims Directive.  

Even though none of these were final at the moment of presentation, the experts made it clear that there are many steps that companies already can and should take in order to prepare for the upcoming regulations. Furthermore, all experts underlined collaboration as a key strategy when preparing for what’s ahead. No company should move on its own but rather join forces with others - including their suppliers.  

Recordings available  

If you have missed a session, or simply would like to rewatch it, you can find all sessions co-hosted with GIZ FABRIC on the Asian Garment Hub Channel on Youtube. All other sessions will successively be added to the Green Button Youtube Channel. 

The organizational team would like to thank everybody involved for their valuable contributions and the tremendous interest from the audience in each of the sessions! 

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Webinar-Series: Europes Green Transition in the Textile Sector

The webinar series of The Partnership for Sustainable Textile and the Green Button on upcoming legislation under the EU Textile Strategie continues! 

Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation: A Game Changer for the Textile Sector?

Join us and FABRIC on 31st of January from 10am CET on for the third session of the webinar series. This time, we will shed a light on the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). Hear from experts and stakeholders what is coming and how to be best prepared. Is the regulation going to be a game changer for the textile sector?

Registrations are possible via this link. An overview of the upcoming webinar sessions can be found here.

On 31st of January, Tim Becker (REACHLaw), Roman Houlbreque (retraced) and Gabrielle Shiner-Hill (bureau_555) will share their knowledge with us on the ESPR as well as on the Digital Product Pass (DPP). The session will delve into the textile-specific aspects of the ESPR and provide insights into the evolving discussions around the DPP at the EU level, helping brands and suppliers prepare for the impending Regulation's impact on the textile industry.

The initial proposal of the EU Commission on the ESPR was published on March 30, 2022. Trilogue negotiations followed in 2023 and a compromise between Parliament and Council was found in December 2023. While many of the details still need to be regulated in delegated acts in the coming years, the regulation is expected to be adopted in Q1 2024.

This regulation, a cornerstone of the EU's Green Deal, extends the scope of the existing Ecodesign Directive to cover a broader range of products, including textiles. It seeks to introduce ecodesign requirements for specific product groups, with a focus on improving circularity, energy performance, and other environmental sustainability aspects. Textiles are prioritized as a product group. The ESPR mandates ecodesign requirements for product performance and information disclosure while addressing concerns such as the destruction of unsold products. In fact, recent amendments have strengthened the proposed ban on the destruction of unsold goods for certain specified sectors, including textiles and footwear. Furthermore, the webinar will explore the concept of the Digital Product Passport (DPP), which aims to standardize product information, enhance traceability, and support repair and recycling efforts. 

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Webinar Series: Europe's Green Transition in the Textile Sector: EU Waste Legislation

The webinar series of The Partnership for Sustainable Textile and the Green Button on upcoming legislation under the EU Textile Strategie continues! 

Join the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, the Green Button and FABRIC for the fourth session of our six-months webinar series to learn more about the EU’s Green Deal and how it will affect the textile and garment sector. Hear from experts and stakeholders about what’s coming and how to be best prepared.

On 07th February, 10am – 11:30 am CET, we will take a closer look at the landscape of the EU waste legislation. This time, our experts will be:  

Marie-Jeanne Gaertner, (RReuse), Beatriz Fernandez (UNEP) and Edwina Huang (Phoenxt)

Registrations are possible via this link. An overview of the upcoming webinar sessions can be found here.

In July 2023, the European Commission published its proposal to revise the Waste Framework Directive. The main objective of the revision is to make producers responsible for the full lifecycle of textile products and to support the sustainable management of textile waste across the EU. In November 2023, the European Parliament and the Council reached a compromise on the new Waste Shipment Regulation. The primary objective of the new law is to make sure the EU does not longer export its waste problems to third countries. In December, an agreement on new Ecodesign rules followed, including a ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear. Together, these new laws will change the way the EU handles textiles waste.

In this seminar we will dive into the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) and touch upon the Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR), addressing crucial aspects, including the legislative scope, progress, and promotion of sustainable waste practices. We will particularly explore mandatory extended producer responsibility, as well as end of life criteria to better distinguish textile waste from second-hand clothing. 

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Webinar-Series: Europe’s Green Transition in the Textile Sector

Join the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, the Green Button and FABRIC for the fifth session of our six-months webinar series to learn more about the EU’s Textile Strategy and how it will affect the textile and garment sector. Hear from experts and stakeholders about what’s coming and how to be best prepared.

In the session on 28th February, 10am – 11:30 am CET, we will take a closer look at the current proposal on a future without modern slavery together with our experts:

  • Anna Cavazzini (MEP The Greens/EFA)
  • Libby Annat (Due Diligence Design) 
  • Clemence Aron (Mekong Club)

Registrations are possible via this link. An overview of the upcoming webinar sessions can be found here.

In September 2022, the European Commission proposed a “Regulation to prohibit products made using forced labour on the European Union internal market” and underlined the EU’s efforts to ban all products made under such conditions - including child labour – for domestic consumption, export and import. After the European Parliament adopted its negotiating position in November 2023, the Council of the EU followed in January 2024 and paved the way for the interinstitutional negotiations (“Trialogue”) to begin. 

In this seminar, we will dive into the proposed regulation and highlight its impact on the textile sector. We will particularly explore how brands can prepare for the regulation and identify strategies and tools to identify, address and mitigate risks associated with forced labour in supply chains. 

 

Six-month webinar series

You want to know more about the legislative framework under the EU Green Deal and how it could initiate change and affect your business? Join us for a series of six webinars on upcoming legislation under the EU Green Deal and the EU Textile Strategy!

The webinar series will provide you with:

  • an introduction to the wider EU policy landscape and how upcoming legislations relate to international obligations
  • a deep dive into specific legislative initiatives that will transform the textile and apparel sector in the coming years 
  • a better understanding of how these initiatives will likely impact companies and global supply chains.

Please click here for more information on the series and registration.

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Webinar-Series: Europe's Green Transition in the Textile Sector – Green Claims

The webinar series of The Partnership for Sustainable Textile and the Green Button on upcoming legislation under the EU Textile Strategy comes to an end! 

Join us on 6th of March from 10am CET on for the last session of the webinar series:

TACKLING GREENWASHING: THE DIRECTIVE TO EMPOWER CONSUMERS FOR THE GREEN TRANSITION AND THE GREEN CLAIMS DIRECTIVE

We will shed light on the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition and the Green Claims Directive. Hear from experts and stakeholders what is coming and how to be best prepared.

Registrations are possible via this link. An overview of the webinar series can be found here. If you  are interested in the recordings of the session, please contact info@gruener-knopf.de or mail@textilbuendnis.com

The Empowering Consumers for a Green Transition Directive aims at equipping consumers with the knowledge of how to contribute to the green transition. Among other things, it targets generic environmental claims such as eco-friendly, green or climate neutral. On 19/09/2023, the European Parliament (EP) and the Council reached a provisional agreement on the directive as part of the trilogue negotiations, which were thus concluded very quickly. The European Parliament plenary approved new EU rules on 17/01/2024.

The question of claims is tackled and operationalized more specifically in the Substantiating Green Claims Directive, which was published in March 2023 by the EU Commission. Currently, there is no comprehensive EU framework to tackle false or misleading environmental claims. The objective is to combat greenwashing, make green claims reliable and verifiable across the EU and thereby help consumers to make better informed and sustainable purchasing decisions.

In addition, the proposed directive addresses the jungle of environmental labelling schemes by putting a stop to new public labelling schemes. Any new private labelling schemes must prove that they are of added value compared to existing labels.

 

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Extension of the transitional period for the fiber and material requirements until July 31rst, 2026

 

With the introduction of the Green Button 2.0 in August 2022, requirements for the use of fibers and materials in Green Button products were defined for the first time. They intend to promote the sustainable extraction of raw materials and the recyclability of textile products in the long term. Following the expiry of the previous transitional period, the requirements should come into force from July 31rst, 2024. The transitional period for the fiber and material requirements of the Green Button 2.0 has now been extended until July 31rst, 2026 by the Green Button's scheme holder, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The main reason for the extension of the transitional period is the fact that various political regulations for the textile sector in the European Union (EU) are currently being discussed, which are likely to have a major impact on the requirements of the Green Button, particularly in the area of fibers and materials.

These primarily include the EU Sustainable Product Regulation (ESPR), the Green Claims Directive and the revision of the Textile Labeling Regulation (TLR).

  • The ESPR is intended to set requirements for the design and material selection of textiles. The relevant legislation, including the introduction of a digital product passport, will come into force between 2024 and 2027.
  • The Green Claims Directive is intended to regulate sustainability claims and limit the proliferation of ecolabels. This directive will be implemented by the member states 24 months after it is adopted at EU level.
  • The revision of the Textile Labelling Regulation (TLR) will also place new requirements on the physical and digital labeling of textiles.

The implications of these regulations for standards and the sector as a whole are not yet foreseeable. Against this backdrop, there is a considerable risk that the Green Button will impose requirements on the use of fibers and materials that would have to be adjusted or withdrawn once the regulations come into force.

Licensees can continue to voluntarily have products certified according to the fiber and material requirements of the Green Button 2.0 until July 31rst, 2026. The meta seal requirements for the manufacturing and wet processes are not affected by this extended transition period; these must be met in accordance with the Green Button Standard 2.0 from July 31rst, 2024.

With the adjusted transition period, products can be awarded the Green Button 2.0 after 31.07.2024 if they

Note: The information on the website regarding the transition period is currently being revised.

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New certification label recognised for the Green Button 2.0

 

One more certification label has successfully passed the benchmarking process and is thus established as recognised certification label for production process requirements (meta-label approach) under Green Button 2.0.

From now on, the following certification label will be accepted:

  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): for manufacturing and wet processes and as before for the fibre and material production for the use of plant-based and animal fibres and for the use of man-made fibres with a proportion greater than 10% and less than 30% in the final product. 

 

This newly evaluated certification label complements the recognised certification labels published in the last months:

  • bluesign®PRODUCT: For the recognition scope wet processes. For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of virgin polyester and down.
  • Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based fibres
  • Fairtrade Cotton: For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based fibres
  • Fairtrade Textile Standard: For the recognition scope manufacturing
  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): For the recognition scope fibre and material use
  • Global Recycled Standard (GRS): For the recognition scope wet processes in combination with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and for fibre and material use for the use of recycled man-made and plant-based fibres
  • Naturtextil IVN zertifiziert BEST: For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based and animal fibres
  • Organic Content Standard (OCS): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based and animal fibres as well as regenerated fibres
  • OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN: For the recognition scope manufacturing and wet processes. For the recognition scope of fiber and material use for the use of virgin polyester (product class 1-3) or the use of organic cotton 
  • OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100: For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of virgin polyester (product class 1-3) as well as for the use of recycled fibers and materials
  • OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 „organic“: For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of organic cotton
  • OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON: For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of organic cotton 
  • Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of recycled man-made and plant-based fibres
  • Responsible Down Standard (RDS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of down.
  • Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of animal fibres
  • Responsible Wool Standard (RWS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of animal fibres
  • SA8000: For the recognition scope manufacturing

 

All certification labels recognised for Green Button regarding the supply chain levels wet processing and manufacturing as well as fiber and material use can be found here. The list will be further supplemented at a later date. This document lists all fibres and materials approved for the Green Button 2.0, combined with the respective recognised certification labels. 

To meet the Green Button requirements for production processes and to be able to label products, companies must demonstrate recognised certification labels for all three areas (fibre and material use, wet processes, manufacturing). Prior to this, companies must demonstrate compliance with the requirements for corporate due diligence processes within a Green Button audit.

Recognition of the aforementioned certification labels is the result of a recognition process outlined in this fact sheet as well as in Green Button Standard 2.0: Process and Requirements for the Recognition of Certification Labels. Newly recognised certification labels were assessed prior to their recognition to determine whether they met the content requirements of the Green Button Standard as well as the eligibility requirements, which include requirements for their credibility. The recognition of the certification labels issued by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is valid until the next revision of the Green Button. The recognition of the certification labels issued by the BMZ is valid until the next revision of the Green Button. Should the certification label itself undergo changes, it is to be reviewed in accordance with the Green Button Standard whether the recognition needs to be elicited in a new benchmarking.

Documents for download:

 

 

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Webinar Series: Europe’s Green Transition in the Textile Sector

The webinar series of The Partnership for Sustainable Textile and the Green Button on upcoming legislation under the EU Textile Strategie goes into the second round.

Join the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles and the Green Button on 23rd of October 2023 for the second session of the webinar series to learn more about the EU’s Green Deal and how it will affect the textile and garment sector. Hear from experts and stakeholders about what’s coming and how to be best prepared.

In late 2019, the European Commission published its European Green Deal, the EU’s new growth strategy to make the EU climate neutral by 2050 and to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy. In March 2022, the publication of the Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles followed, setting out a vision to ensure that: “By 2030 textile products placed on the EU market are long lived and recyclable, to a great extent made of recycled fibres, free of hazardous substances and produced in respect of social rights and the environment.”

Under these strategies, the EU Commission has put forward several far-reaching legislative initiatives, many of them are expected to enter into force from 2025 and 2026 onwards. Introducing far-reaching new design requirements, greenwashing regulation, rules to prevent overproduction and overconsumption, and rules to handle textile waste more responsibly, these initiatives will completely overhaul the rules for production, consumption, sale, and disposal of textiles in the EU.

You want to know more about the legislative framework under the EU Green Deal and how it could initiate change and affect your business? Join us for the next webinars on upcoming legislation under the EU Green Deal and the EU Textile Strategy!

The webinar series will provide you with:

  • an introduction to the wider EU policy landscape and how upcoming legislations relate to international obligations
  • a deep dive into specific legislative initiatives that will transform the textile and apparel sector in the coming years
  • a better understanding of how these initiatives will likely impact companies and global supply chains.

Please click here for more information on the series.

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4 years of providing orientation for consumers - 4 years of assuming responsibility for supply chains: The government-run certification label Green Button celebrates its birthday

For four years, the government-run certification label Green Button has been showing which companies are fulfilling their responsibility for people and the environment in their supply chains and has been marking their sustainable products – with increasing success:

  • 47% of people in Germany are familiar with the Green Button and, at 67%, trust in the label is particularly high. [1]  
  • From socks to hats, from cooking aprons to tents, products with the Green Button can now be found in numerous product categories and for every budget. Since the Green Button was introduced in 2019, well over 300 million labeled products have already crossed the counter. [2]
  • The Green Button has also set standards in private and public procurement. In fan shops, hospitals, hotels, at the supermarket checkout or on the train - it's hard to imagine the public sphere without the Green Button.

Four years after its market launch, Christine Moser-Priewich and Florian Tiedtke therefore assess the label's performance positively. Both have been jointly managing the Green Button Secretariat since July 1st, 2023. Florian Tiedtke emphasizes the credibility of the label: "The Green Button is run by the state, which creates trust. Two out of three people who know about the Green Button have already consciously put a product with the certification label in their shopping basket. This shows that the Green Button is really used as an orientation when shopping." Christine Moser-Priewich adds: "It is particularly pleasing that more than 40 companies have already successfully completed the more comprehensive audits under the stricter standard version, the Green Button 2.0."  The Green Button 2.0 also takes into account the fibers and materials used and requires companies to take first steps towards living wages. "The success of the Green Button shows that consumers want to buy more sustainable products and that at the same time companies are focusing more on their own responsibility in the supply chain", Moser-Priewich continued.

The Green Button is not only the first certification label that evaluates due diligence requirements, it is also considered very comprehensive because it sets requirements on two levels: First, it checks whether companies are working in a way that better protects people and the environment in their supply chains. Additionally, it must be proven by recognized labels that the products carrying the Green Button have been produced socially and ecologically.

The Green Button certification bodies are independent and are monitored by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS). The DAkkS has also certified that the audits are carried out uniformly and that results are comparable. This shows the reliability of the label’s certification system and further contributes to its credibility.

Background

Many textiles are produced in countries of the Global South, mostly by women and often under inhumane conditions. The environment also suffers. To change this, companies must fulfill their due diligence obligations. The government-run certification label Green Button shows which companies meet their due diligence obligations and which products have been produced sustainably. The label is issued by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), which is thus further promoting the protection of people and the environment in global supply chains.

Contact:
Green Button Secretariat

Potsdamer Platz 10
10785 Berlin, Germany
T +49 30 / 338 424 - 777
info@gruener-knopf.de
www.gruener-knopf.de

[1] Results of a representative survey conducted by the Gesellschaft für Konsumforschung GfK on behalf of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), July 2023.

[2] GIZ survey among Green Button licensees, August 2023.

 

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Webinar Series: Europe’s Green Transition in the Textile Sector

The Partnership for Sustainable Textile and the Green Button launch joint webinar series on upcoming legislation under the EU Textile Strategie. 

 

Join the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles and the Green Button on 21st of September 2023 for the kick-off of its upcoming six-month webinar series to learn more about the EU’s Green Deal and how it will affect the textile and garment sector. Hear from experts and stakeholders about what’s coming and how to be best prepared.

In late 2019, the European Commission published its European Green Deal, the EU’s new growth strategy to make the EU climate neutral by 2050 and to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy. In March 2022, the publication of the Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles followed, setting out a vision to ensure that: “By 2030 textile products placed on the EU market are long lived and recyclable, to a great extent made of recycled fibres, free of hazardous substances and produced in respect of social rights and the environment.”

Under these strategies, the EU Commission has put forward several far-reaching legislative initiatives, many of them are expected to enter into force from 2025 and 2026 onwards. Introducing far-reaching new design requirements, greenwashing regulation, rules to prevent overproduction and overconsumption, and rules to handle textile waste more responsibly, these initiatives will completely overhaul the rules for production, consumption, sale, and disposal of textiles in the EU.

Six-months webinar series is launching now

You want to know more about the legislative framework under the EU Green Deal and how it could initiate change and affect your business? Join us for a series of six webinars on upcoming legislation under the EU Green Deal and the EU Textile Strategy!

The webinar series will provide you with:

  • an introduction to the wider EU policy landscape and how upcoming legislations relate to international obligations
  • a deep dive into specific legislative initiatives that will transform the textile and apparel sector in the coming years
  • a better understanding of how these initiatives will likely impact companies and global supply chains.

Please click here for more information on the series.

 

21st of September 2023 10am – 12pm

Kick-off and deep dive into the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive

This kick-off session will set the scene for the upcoming webinars, provide an overview of the policy landscape, and dive into one of the initiatives at the heart of the Green Transition: The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). We will look into the details of the CSDDD proposal and its likely implications for the textile sector, both for brands and retailers as well as for suppliers. We will focus on critical issues, the different positions of stakeholders, and learn about where the policy process stands.

Register here.

 

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New certification labels recognised for the Green Button 2.0 I 28.06.2023

More certification labels have successfully passed the benchmarking process and are thus established as recognised certification labels for production process requirements (meta-label approach) under Green Button 2.0.

From now on, the following certification label will be accepted for certain fibres and materials on the level of raw material extraction

  • OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100: for the use of recycled fibres and materials (sub scope 3 and 7)
  • OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 „organic“: for the use of organic cotton (sub scope 5)
  • OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON: for the use of organic cotton (sub scope 5)

For OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN, the requirements in the scope of fibre and material use can be met by OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 or OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON for the sub-scopes mentioned.

An OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN product may, fulfil the fibre requirements of the Green Button. This always requires a verification of the underlying OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 or OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certificate and the material composition of the product.

These newly evaluated certification labels complement the recognised certification labels published in the last months:

  • bluesign®PRODUCT: For the recognition scope wet processes. For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of virgin polyester and down.
  • Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based fibres
  • Fairtrade Cotton: For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based fibres
  • Fairtrade Textile Standard: For the recognition scope manufacturing
  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based and animal fibres and for the use of man-made fibres greater than 10% and less than 30%
  • Global Recycled Standard (GRS): For the recognition scope wet processes in combination with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and for fibre and material use for the use of recycled man-made and plant-based fibres
  • Naturtextil IVN zertifiziert BEST: For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based and animal fibres
  • Organic Content Standard (OCS): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based and animal fibres as well as regenerated fibres
  • OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN: For the recognition scope manufacturing and wet processes. For the recognition scope of fiber and material use for the use of virgin polyester (product class 1-3)
  • OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100: For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of virgin polyester (product class 1-3)
  • Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of recycled man-made and plant-based fibres
  • Responsible Down Standard (RDS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of down.
  • Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of animal fibres
  • Responsible Wool Standard (RWS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of animal fibres
  • SA8000: For the recognition scope manufacturing

This document lists all fibres and materials approved for the Green Button 2.0, combined with the respective recognised certification labels. All certification labels recognised for Green Button regarding the supply chain levels wet processing and manufacturing can be found here. The list will be further supplemented at a later date.

To meet the Green Button requirements for production processes and to be able to label products, companies must demonstrate recognised certification labels for all three areas (fibre and material use, wet processes, manufacturing). Prior to this, companies must demonstrate compliance with the requirements for corporate due diligence processes within a Green Button audit.

Recognition of the aforementioned certification labels is the result of a recognition process outlined in this fact sheet as well as in Green Button Standard 2.0: Process and Requirements for the Recognition of Certification Labels. Newly recognised certification labels were assessed prior to their recognition to determine whether they met the content requirements of the Green Button Standard as well as the eligibility requirements, which include requirements for their credibility. The recognition of the certification labels issued by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is valid until the next revision of the Green Button. The recognition of the certification labels issued by the BMZ is valid until the next revision of the Green Button. Should the certification label itself undergo changes, it is to be reviewed in accordance with the Green Button Standard whether the recognition needs to be elicited in a new benchmarking.

Documents for download:

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New certification labels recognised for the Green Button 2.0 I 19.06.2023

More certification labels have successfully passed the benchmarking process and are thus established as recognised certification labels for production process requirements (meta-label approach) under Green Button 2.0.

From now on, the following certification label will be accepted for manufacturing:

  • Fairtrade Textile Standard

From now on, the following certification label will be accepted for wet-processes:

  • Global Recycled Standard (GRS) (in combination with OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100)

From now on, the following certification label will be accepted for certain fibres and materials on the level of raw material extraction, predominantly focusing on the use of down (sub-scope 10):

  • bluesign®PRODUCT

These newly evaluated certification labels complement the recognised certification labels published in the last months:

  • bluesign®PRODUCT: For the recognition scope wet processes. For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of virgin polyester
  • Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based fibres
  • Fairtrade Cotton: For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based fibres
  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based and animal fibres and for the use of man-made fibres greater than 10% and less than 30%
  • Global Recycled Standard (GRS): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of recycled man-made and plant-based fibres
  • Naturtextil IVN zertifiziert BEST: For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based and animal fibres
  • Organic Content Standard (OCS): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based and animal fibres as well as regenerated fibres
  • Oeko-Tex Made in Green: For the recognition scope manufacturing and wet processes. For the recognition scope of fiber and material use for the use of virgin polyester (product class 1-3)
  • Oeko-Tex Standard 100: For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of virgin polyester (product class 1-3)
  • Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of recycled man-made and plant-based fibres
  • Responsible Down Standard (RDS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of down.
  • Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of animal fibres
  • Responsible Wool Standard (RWS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of animal fibres
  • SA8000: For the recognition scope manufacturing

This document lists all fibres and materials approved for the Green Button 2.0, combined with the respective recognised certification labels. All certification labels recognised for Green Button regarding the supply chain levels wet processing and manufacturing can be found here. The list will be further supplemented at a later date.

To meet the Green Button requirements for production processes and to be able to label products, companies must demonstrate recognised certification labels for all three areas (fibre and material use, wet processes, manufacturing). Prior to this, companies must demonstrate compliance with the requirements for corporate due diligence processes within a Green Button audit.

Recognition of the aforementioned certification labels is the result of a recognition process outlined in this fact sheet as well as in Green Button Standard 2.0: Process and Requirements for the Recognition of Certification Labels. Newly recognised certification labels were assessed prior to their recognition to determine whether they met the content requirements of the Green Button Standard as well as the eligibility requirements, which include requirements for their credibility. The recognition of the certification labels issued by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is valid until the next revision of the Green Button. The recognition of the certification labels issued by the BMZ is valid until the next revision of the Green Button. Should the certification label itself undergo changes, it is to be reviewed in accordance with the Green Button Standard whether the recognition needs to be elicited in a new benchmarking.

Documents for download:

 

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Changes regarding exception rules for the use of fibres and materials

As part of the meta-label approach, the Green Button defines requirements for production processes at selected supply chain levels. Companies demonstrate these through recognised certification labels. Alongside the requirements for corporate due diligence processes, they are the basis for a product to be labeled with the Green Button.

In the Guidance to the list of approved fibres and materials it is defined for which fibres and materials recognised certification labels are required, which quantity limits apply, if any, and which fibres and materials may only be used under specific exception rules and which evidence has to be provided for these exceptions. The mentioned guidance is an extension of the list of approved fibres and materials.
Based on the exchange with our stakeholders, the scheme owner, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has decided on the following changes regarding the requirements for fibre and material use to make the implementation of the Green Button 2.0 requirements more feasible.

These changes take effect with the adaptation of the standard. However, we would like to point out again at this point that alternatively, products can continue to be awarded according to the production requirements of Green Button 1.0 until 31.07.2024.

The following changes are to be implemented:

1. Extension of the general exception rule for the use of virgin man-made fibres from artificial polymers (70/30 - rule)

Normally, certified recycled fibres should be used in the Green Button 2.0. Since this is not always possible, we have formulated exceptions that allow the use of virgin man-made fibres, such as the 70/30 rule.

What is new is that this 70/30 rule is now not only triggered by using at least 70% recycled fibres, but also by cotton and regenerated fibres with a recognised certification label. So now it is possible to use up to 30% virgin man-made fibres for textiles that consist of 70% sustainable cotton, regenerated fibres and/or recycled fibres with a recognised certification label each, as long as their use is generally allowed in the Green Button.

Special regulations apply to virgin polyester and elastane, and newly also to elastolefin, i.e. elastolefin may now also be used up to a maximum of 10%, yet without certification. 

2. Inclusion of an exception rule for polyamide

Polyamide is currently only permitted with a recognised certification label, i.e. recycled. It is planned to allow the use of virgin polyamide also in exceptional cases, namely for protective clothing in accordance with EU Regulation 2016/425. Evidence is to be provided via the CE marking on the product. 

3. Evidence of exception regarding personal protective equipment (PPE)

In the area of PPE, the form of evidence is to change.

Thus, it is no longer mandatory to provide evidence in the form of individual, function-related standards (ISO/EN) in order to claim exceptions for certain fibres and materials. In future, the CE marking on the product in accordance with EU Regulation 2016/425 can be used as evidence for exception for PPE.

Exceptions for PPE apply to the use of the following fibres and materials: aramid, carbon fibres, modacrylic (MAC), (new) virgin polyester and (new) polyamide.

4. Evidence for exception rules for industrial laundry suitability - virgin polyester

Virgin polyester may only be used in exceptional cases. In addition to the 70:30 rule, we therefore have defined selected business and application areas. For exceptions regarding home and contract textiles, that are suitable for industrial laundry, as well as workwear, we have now updated the forms of evidence, that are to be provided. There will be the additional option of submitting a self-declaration as evidence of the industrial laundry suitability of textiles.

The Green Button secretariat will provide a respective template, which will be accessible via the online portal.

In addition, in the workwear sector, both a reference to ISO 15797 on the product and the Pro-Label (ISO 30023) can be used as proof.

5. Further exception rules for the use of virgin polyester

Furthermore, an exception regarding virgin polyester can in future be applied to surgical clothing and drapes via DIN EN 13795-1 and 2. Here, proof of conformity will be provided in accordance with DIN EN 13795-1 and -2.

A further exemption rule will also be introduced for PPE in accordance with EU Regulation 2016/425.

 

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Invitation to the event "Towards decent work for all" | 25.04.2023

On April 24, 2013, the Rana Plaza building collapsed, causing the deaths of more than 1,000 people. This tragic incident brought attention to the downside of global textile supply chains. 

In response, Bangladesh adopted the International Accord on Fire and Building Safety (ACCORD), an agreement to strengthen safe workplaces for workers in the textile industry. In Germany, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has, among other things, launched the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles and the government-run certification label Green Button.

Where does the textile industry stand 10 years after the catastrophe? To answer this question, the BMZ invites to the event Towards decent work for all - Asia's textile industry 10 years after Rana Plaza. The Parliamentary State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Dr. Bärbel Kofler, will discuss together with experts the improvements in the textile industry and the remaining challenges.

When. Tuesday, April 25, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (CEST)
Where. Hybrid event. Digital participation via Livestream.

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New certification labels recognised for the Green Button 2.0 I 28.02.2023

More certification labels have successfully passed the benchmarking process and are thus established as recognised certification labels for production process requirements (meta-label approach) under Green Button 2.0.

From now on, the following certification label will be accepted for manufacturing (recognition scope 1):

  • SA8000

From now on, the following certification label will be accepted for certain fibres and materials on the level of raw material extraction, predominantly focusing on the use of cotton from divers forms of sustainable, agricultural production (sub-scope 6).

  • Fairtrade Cotton (Fairtrade Cotton product certification label in the colour black/traceable and Fairtrade Sourced Ingredient certification label in the colour white/mass balance

These newly evaluated certification labels complement the recognised certification labels published in 2022:

  • bluesign®PRODUCT: For the recognition scope wet processes. For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of virgin polyester
  • Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based fibres
  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based and animal fibres and for the use of man-made fibres greater than 10% and less than 30%
  • Global Recycled Standard (GRS): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of recycled man-made and plant-based fibres
  • Naturtextil IVN zertifiziert BEST: For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based and animal fibres
  • Organic Content Standard (OCS): For the recognition scope fibre and material use for the use of plant-based and animal fibres as well as regenerated fibres
  • Oeko-Tex Made in Green: For the recognition scope manufacturing and wet processes. For the recognition scope of fiber and material use for the use of virgin polyester (product class 1-3)
  • Oeko-Tex Standard 100: For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of virgin polyester (product class 1-3)
  • Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of recycled man-made and plant-based fibres
  • Responsible Down Standard (RDS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of down.
  • Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of animal fibres
  • Responsible Wool Standard (RWS): For the recognition scope fiber and material use for the use of animal fibres

This document lists all fibres and materials approved for the Green Button 2.0, combined with the respective recognised certification labels. All certification labels recognised for Green Button regarding the supply chain levels wet processing and manufacturing can be found here. The list will be further supplemented at a later date.

To meet the Green Button requirements for production processes and to be able to label products, companies must demonstrate recognised certification labels for all three areas (fibre and material use, wet processes, manufacturing). Prior to this, companies must demonstrate compliance with the requirements for corporate due diligence processes within a Green Button audit.

Recognition of the aforementioned certification labels is the result of a recognition process outlined in this fact sheet as well as in Green Button Standard 2.0: Process and Requirements for the Recognition of Certification Labels. Newly recognised certification labels were assessed prior to their recognition to determine whether they met the content requirements of the Green Button Standard as well as the eligibility requirements, which include requirements for their credibility. The recognition of the certification labels issued by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is valid until the next revision of the Green Button. The recognition of the certification labels issued by the BMZ is valid until the next revision of the Green Button. Should the certification label itself undergo changes, it is to be reviewed in accordance with the Green Button Standard whether the recognition needs to be elicited in a new benchmarking.

Documents for download:

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Webinar for interested companies: Green Button 2.0 I 10.03.2023

Are you interested in how you can have your responsible actions certified? You would like to label your sustainability on the textile product? In our free and non-binding webinar, we would like to give you an overview of how the Green Button Standard combines the requirements for sustainable manufacturing of products with requirements for corporate due diligence processes.

When: Friday, March 10 | 11 am to 12 pm
Where: Online (GoToWebinar)
Language: German

Please follow this link for registration.

Curious? We look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions.

Warm regards Your Green Button Team

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OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector, Paris and Online I 13. -17.02.2023

From 13 - 17 February 2023, the OECD Forum will bring together representatives of governments, companies, trade unions, academia and civil society to discuss corporate due diligence in the garment and footwear sector. During this time, the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector will take place in Paris. Virtual participation is also possible.

In addition to the main Forum events, you are cordially invited to participate in side sessions. For example, the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles is also organising side sessions in cooperation with other organisations. These revolve around the topics of purchasing practices, complaints and redress, and gender-based violence. The events will take place on site and virtually in English. You are cordially invited! Detailed information on the side sessions can be found directly at the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles.

You can find more information on the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector here.

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Extension of the transition period for meeting the production requirements I 20.01.2023

In order to give companies more time for production planning and, if necessary, conversion, the scheme owner has decided to extend the transition period for compliance with the production requirements according to den Green Button 2.0 by one year to 31st July 2024.

This means for companies:

  • The production requirements according to GB 2.0 at the level of fibres and materials, wet processes and ready-made garments will become binding after 31st July 2024. 
  • Articles can continue to be produced according to GB 1.0 until this date. A later sale of articles already produced and ordered up to this date is possible.
  • The new requirements for the use of fibres and materials are binding from August 2024.
  • The deadline for meeting the requirements for corporate due diligence processes according to GB 2.0 does not change. Companies must complete their audit according to GB 2.0 by this summer (31st July 2023).

With the help of companies’ feedback, we gathered practical experiences concerning the production requirements and the list of approved fibres and materials which ultimately led to the extension of the deadline. The transition period has been extended from 31st July 2023 to 31st July 2024 in order to give companies more time for production planning and conversion. In addition, the evaluation procedure (benchmarking) of the certification labels that are recognised for the Green Button 2.0 is still taking place. Many certification labels have already been assessed and recognised (see this overview), but other labels have not yet been assessed. This is because many certification labels are also currently being revised and are introducing new standard versions. The Green Button assessment must be coordinated with these individual revision cycles. The extended transition period also gives companies the possibility to know earlier which certification labels can be introduced in the GB 2.0.

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Webinar for interested companies: Green Button 2.0 I 03.02.2023

Are you interested in how you can have your responsible actions certified? You would like to label your sustainability on the textile product? In our free and non-binding webinar, we would like to give you an overview of how the Green Button Standard combines the requirements for sustainable manufacturing of products with requirements for corporate due diligence processes.

When: Friday, February 03 | 11 am to 12 pm
Wo: Online (GoToWebinar)
Language: German

Curious? We look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions.

Please follow this link for registration.

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New certification labels recognised for the Green Button 2.0 I 21.12.2022

More certification labels have successfully passed the benchmarking process and are thus established as recognised certification labels for production process requirements (meta-label approach) under Green Button 2.0.

From now on, the following certificate will be accepted for manufacturing (recognition scope 1):

  • OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN

From now on, the following certificates will be accepted for wet processes (recognition scope 2):

  • bluesign®PRODUCT
  • OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN

For the use of virgin polyester (sub-scope 4), the following certificates will be accepted from now on:

  • bluesign®PRODUCT
  • OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 (product class 1-3*)
  • OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN (inkl. OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 product class 1-3*)

*Class 4 products must be subjected to category 1-3 testing.

These newly evaluated certification labels complement the recognised certification labels for fibre and material use published in fall 2022:

  • Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA): for the use of plant-based fibres
  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): for the use of plant-based and animal fibres and for the use of man-made fibres greater than 10% and less than 30%
  • Global Recycled Standard (GRS): for the use of recycled man-made and plant-based fibres
  • Naturtextil IVN certified BEST: for the use of plant-based and animal fibres
  • Organic Content Standard (OCS): for the use of plant-based and animal fibres as well as regenerated fibres
  • Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): for the use of recycled man-made and plant-based fibres
  • Responsible Down Standard (RDS): for the use of down
  • Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS): for the use of animal fibres
  • Responsible Wool Standard (RWS): for the use of animal fibres

This document lists all fibres and materials approved for the Green Button 2.0, combined with the respective recognised certification labels. All certification labels recognised for the Green Button can be found here. The list will be further supplemented at the beginning of 2023 and, if necessary, at a later date.

To meet the Green Button requirements for production processes and to be able to label products, companies must demonstrate recognised certification lables for all three areas (fibre and material use, wet processes, manufacturing). Prior to this, companies must demonstrate compliance with the requirements for corporate due diligence processes within a Green Button audit.Recognition of the aforementioned certification labels is the result of a recognition process outlined in this fact sheet as well as in Green Button Standard 2.0: Process and Requirements for the Recognition of Certification Labels (Meta-Label Approach). Newly recognised certification labels were assessed prior to their recognition to determine whether they met the content requirements of the Green Button Standard as well as the eligibility requirements, which include requirements for their credibility. The recognition of the certification labels issued by the BMZ is valid until the next revision of the Green Button. Should the certification label itself undergo changes, it is to be reviewed in accordance with the Green Button Standard whether the recognition needs to be elicited in a new benchmarking.

New documents for download:

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VAUDE first company to pass Green Button 2.0 audit I 25.10.2022

Berlin, October 25, 2022 - The government-run textile certification label Green Button is tightening its requirements. Since August, companies have been able to be audited according to the Green Button 2.0 standard. Among other things, they must then also introduce measures to promote living wages and set sustainability targets for management. Labeled products may now only consist of approved fibers. VAUDE is the first company to pass the audit.

Outdoor equipment supplier VAUDE was already one of the first licensees when the certification label was launched three years ago. At the end of September, the first audit for the Green Button 2.0 follow-up standard took place at the company headquarters in Tettnang, Southern Germany. Hilke Patzwall is Sustainability Manager at VAUDE, and for her it was clear that VAUDE would also meet the increased requirements: ’The Green Button is an important certification for VAUDE that confirms our high level of implementation of environmental and social standards in the supply chain. It offers our customers additional assurance that the VAUDE brand and VAUDE products credibly meet these requirements. We continue to expect a benefit of credibility from this, especially for the fulfillment of corporate due diligence obligations.’

The company was audited by the independent certification body Control Union during the two-day audit.  The extended requirements include:

  • The company must take the first steps toward living wages,
  • successively extend its risk analysis to the entire supply chain,
  • involve people in production countries more closely in process decisions
  • anchor the topic of due diligence more broadly in the company.
  • In order to meet the requirements for the production processes, in addition to the cutting and sewing as well as bleaching and dyeing manufacturing steps, evidence must now also be provided in the area of raw material procurement and the use of fibers and materials.

VAUDE is already advanced on these points. The new certificate, including the product groups awarded, can be viewed under basic information.

The new requirements apply to all companies that want to be licensed for the first time. By July 31, 2023*, all licensed companies must also complete a recertification audit according to the Green Button 2.0. After that, audits will be conducted exclusively according to the Green Button 2.0. The same one-year period applies to the mandatory label-related requirements.

The Green Button makes an important contribution to promoting more sustainable production conditions along textile supply chains. The certification label is issued by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), which thus continues to promote the protection of people and the environment in global supply chains.

*This deadline was subsequently changed after the scheme owner decided to extend the deadline in January 2023.

Contact
Secretariat Green Button
Potsdamer Platz 10
10785 Berlin, Germany
T +49 30 / 338 424 - 111
info@gruener-knopf.de
www.gruener-knopf.de/en

 

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Webinar for companies: Green Button 2.0 I 18.11.2022

Are you interested in how you can have your responsible actions certified? You would like to label your sustainability on the textile product? In our free and non-binding webinar, we would like to give you an overview of how the Green Button Standard combines the requirements for sustainable manufacturing of products with requirements for corporate due diligence processes.

When: Friday, November 18 | 11 am to 12 pm
Where: Online (GoToWebinar)
Language: German

Curious? We look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions.

Please follow this link for registration.

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First certification labels recognized for the Green Button 2.0 meta-label approach I 29.09.2022

A benchmarking process is currently underway for Green Button 2.0 to evaluate which certification labels are recognized for meeting production process requirements. Certification labels must be demonstrated for different production stages. We are particularly pleased with the first recognized certification labels for the fiber and material use recognition area, which is new in Green Button 2.0.

The certification labels are recognized by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). In the future, the following certificates will be accepted for the fiber and material use recognition area:

  • Cotton Made in Africa (CmiA): for the use of plant-based fibres (sub-scope 6)
  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): for the use of plant-based and animal fibers (sub-scopes 5 and 8) and for the use of man-made fibres greater than 10% and less than 30% (sub-scopes 1, 2, 3 and 7)
  • Global Recycled Standard (GRS): for the use of recycled man-made and plant-based fibres (sub-scopes 3 and 7)
  • Naturtextil IVN certified BEST: for the use of plant-based and animal fibres (sub-scopes 5 und 8)
  • Organic Content Standard (OCS): for the use of plant-based and animal fibres as well as regenerated fibres (sub-scope 2, 5 and 8)
  • Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): for the use of recycled man-made and plant-based fibres (sub-scopes 3 und 7)
  • Responsible Down Standard (RDS): for the use of down (sub-scope 10)
  • Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS): for the use of animal fibres (sub-scope 9)
  • Responsible Wool Standard (RWS): for the use of animal fibres (sub-scope 9)

To meet these production process requirements, companies must demonstrate recognized certification labels. Recognition of the listed certification labels for the meta-label approach means that Green Button licensees can use these certification labels to prove that they meet the requirements for the respective approved fibers and materials. This, in conjunction with proving certification labels for the manufacturing and wet processing, can lead to Green Button product endorsements. Before this can happen, however, it must be demonstrated that the requirements for corporate due diligence processes have also been met.

Recognition of the aforementioned certification labels is the result of a recognition process outlined in Green Button Standard 2.0: Process and Requirements for the Recognition of Certification Labels . Newly recognized certification labels were assessed prior to their recognition to determine whether they met the content requirements of the Green Button Standard for certification label recognition, as well as the eligibility requirements, which include requirements for their credibility.

The recognition of the certification labels issued by the BMZ is valid until the next revision of the Green Button. Should the certification label itself go through changes, it is to be checked, according to the Green Button standard, whether the recognition has to be elicited in a new benchmarking.

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Recognition of certification labels for Green Button 2.0: Inform now! I 21.09.2022

Textile certification labels are encouraged to be recognized for the Green Button 2.0.

The government-led certification label Green Button verifies whether a company takes responsibility for the supply chain and thus fulfills its corporate due diligence obligations. In addition, credible standards must be used to demonstrate sustainable production for the manufacture of the product. For this purpose – as already under Green Button 1.0 - credible textile certification labels are recognized.

You can find out more information about the benchmarking process here. All details, the criteria and more background information can also be found in the standard document Green Button Standard 2.0: Process and requirements for the recognition of certification labels (Meta-Label Approach).

We appreciate your interest and are happy to receive any further questions at info@gruener-knopf.de.

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Green Button: The government-led textile certification label celebrates its third anniversary and presents new standard version I 09.09.2022

Berlin, September 9, 2022 - For three years now, consumers have been able to recognise sustainable textiles more easily when shopping: By the government-run textile certification label Green Button. Since August, an even more sophisticated standard version, the Green Button 2.0, has been on the market.

(You can find the press release as PDF here.)

90% of our textiles are produced in countries of the Global South -often under inadequate conditions. To curb unpaid overtime for seamstresses or the use of hazardous chemicals, companies in industrialised nations must fulfill their due diligence obligations. The government-run textile certification label Green Button shows which companies fulfill their responsibility for people and the environment in their textile supply chains and distinguishes their sustainable products. The record is positive.

  • Only three years after its market launch, the Green Button is already known to largesections of the public: According to a recent representative survey by the Gesellschaft für Konsumforschung (GfK Fashion Consumer Panel 2022), 44% of people in Germany are already aware of the certification label, and over half (52%) of them have already consciously purchased at least one Green Button certified product.
  • Over 90 companies offer products that meet the demanding requirements for corporate due diligence and socially and environmentally sustainable production. Since its launch, more than 260 million Green Button textileshave already been sold.
  • The government-run certification label is increasingly aligning itself internationally. Among the Green Button licensees are several European companies. In addition, the Green Button has been a registered trademark with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) since March 2021.
  • The Green Button has also arrived in sustainable procurement. Whether it's workwear for the railroads and police or the bed linen in large hotel chains and hospitals: More and more public institutions are opting for sustainable textiles with the Green Button.
  • Just in time for its anniversary, the certification label is launching a new standard version: with a one-year transition period, the "Green Button 2.0" will apply from August this year -a further development of the previous criteria with even more comprehensive requirements and specifications for the raw material level.

Ulrich Plein heads the Green Button Secretariat. He assesses the impact of the certification label positively: "I am pleased about the Green Button success story because it puts people in the production countries in the spotlight. The positive impact benefits women in particular, who do most of the work in textile supply chains. The new standard version also makes the requirements stricter: among other things, companies must tackle the issue of living wages and involve local stakeholders to a greater extent. In addition, under the Green Button 2.0, textiles may only be made from approved fibers and materials. In this way, the Green Button sets a decisive course toward greater sustainability in the textile industry and ensures that the rights of people and the environment in the production countries will be even better protected in the future."

The requirements of the certification label are made up of two components: The Green Button checks whether companies systematically take responsibility for their supply chains by fulfilling their human rights and environmental due diligence obligations along textile supply chains. In addition, recognised certification labelsmust prove that the respective product has been produced sustainably.

These requirements have now been sharpened and expanded. In the future, companies seeking Green Button 2.0 certification must, for example, promote the payment of living wages in the supply chain and extend their risk analysis to the entire supply chain. Local stakeholders must be more involved, for example in promoting grievance mechanisms.

In addition to the requirements for corporate due diligence, there are also further requirements for sustainable production. For example, under the Green Button 2.0, textiles may now only consist of approved fibers and materials. No genetically modified seeds may be used in cotton production. Cotton must come from sustainable agriculture, plant-based plastics such as viscose from sustainable forestry, and animal fibers from species-appropriate husbandry. Particularly harmful materials such as fluorine fibers or polyacrylic must notbe used, and the same applies to fur or angora.

The further development was accompanied by an independent advisory board of experts and publicly commented on and evaluated in two rounds. In particular, the opinions and suggestions of civil society, business and other standard-setting stakeholders were taken into account.

The Green Button was launched on September 9, 2019 and has since made an important contribution to promoting decent working conditions along textile supply chains. The certification label is issued by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), which thus continues to promote the protection of people and the environment in global supply chains.

Contact:
Green Button Secretariat
Potsdamer Platz 10
10785 Berlin, Germany
T +49 30 / 338 424 - 111
info@gruener-knopf.de
www.gruener-knopf.de/en

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Publication of the standard documents Green Button 2.0 I 09.08.2022

Another milestone in the further development of the Green Button has been reached: The criteria of the Green Button 2.0 have been defined and published. After the decision on the criteria was made by the seal provider (BMZ) based on the recommendations of the advisory board and the feedback from the public consultations, the finalized standard documents were published. It was already clear at the time of introduction that the seal would be successively further developed. The Green Button 2.0 will now come into force on 01.08.2022.

The documents can be viewed here.

The Green Button 2.0 places additional requirements on corporate due diligence processes - and existing criteria have also been revised. There are also innovations with regard to label-related requirements for production processes: This supply chain stage of raw material extraction is added and there are also requirements for fiber and material use for the first time.

We will also be providing detailed information and explanations about the Green Button 2.0 on our website in the near future.

Thank you for your patience!

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The Green Button at the fashion fair SEEK in Berlin I 15.07.2022

From 7 to 9 July this year the fashion world came together at SEEK in Berlin. The Green Button was also present. At our booth, visitors had the opportunity to talk to the Green Button office, ask questions and get information about sustainable textile consumption and the state textile seal.

In the course of an exciting supporting program, Sebastian Herold from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), together with Henning Siedentopp, took a deeper look at the national textile seal and the further development towards the Green Button 2.0.

We thank all interested parties and are happy about the exchange that took place!

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Online seminar for companies: Green Button 2.0 I 05.07.2022

The criteria of the Green Button 2.0 have been determined. The criteria have been approved by the seal provider (BMZ) based on the recommendations of the Advisory Board. The finalization and publication of the relevant standard documents will take place later this month. We look forward to working with you to implement Standard 2.0 and move towards our long-term goal - to protect people and the environment along the entire textile supply chain.

Join our webinar to learn how we will support you in your preparations to audit to the Green Button Standard 2.0 and how the transition process will work.

When: Tuesday, July 05, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Online (GoToWebinar).

We look forward to seeing you and answering your questions!

Register here

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The Green Button at Heimtextil I 22 and 23 June

This week, the international trade fair for home and contract textiles heimtextil will take place in Frankfurt am Main. The Green Button will also be there and will be represented by the office with a booth. In addition, Ulrich Plein will present the state seal in two panel lectures on June 22 and 23 and will be available to answer questions about the requirements of the Green Button.

Please feel free to come and visit us. We look forward to the exchange!

You can find more information here. 

Information and the way to our booth can be found here.

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Online seminar for companies: Green Button 2.0 I 17.05.2022

The Green Button 2.0 criteria are being finalized. The finalization and publication of the relevant standard documents will take place in April/May. We look forward to working with you to implement the standard 2.0 and move towards our long-term goal of protecting people and the environment throughout the textile supply chain.

Join our webinar to learn how we will support you in your preparations to audit to the Green Button Standard 2.0 and how the transition process will work.

When: Tuesday, May 17, 2022 | 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Online (GoToWebinar).

We look forward to hearing your questions!

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Statement of the Expert Advisory Council

In two expert advisory council meetings in December 2020 and June 2021, the expert advisory council members, chaired by Michael Windfuhr (Deputy Director of the German Institute for Human Rights), discussed the draft criteria.

The statements as well as further information on the expert advisory council can be found here.

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Register now and get informed: Online seminar for companies | 07.02.2022

You are designing your textile supply chain sustainably and want to label your products with the Green Button?

In our free and non-binding webinar, we will introduce you to the government-run Green Button certification label and inform you about how you can have your company licensed efficiently and unbureaucratically. 

When: Monday, 07 February 2022 | 14:00 pm - 15:00 pm CEST

Where: Online (GoToWebinar)

Language: German

We are looking forward to meeting you and answering your questions!

Register here

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Deutsche Bahn commits to fair corporate clothing with the Green Button

Deutsche Bahn has set the goal of certifying all its corporate clothing with the government-run textile label Green Button. The main supplier is already certified. This means that in future all 43,000 Deutsche Bahn employees in the customer-related field service will wear sustainable corporate clothing.

The new outfits for the train attendants, the employees in the on-board bistros, the service centres and the service staff in Deutsche Bahn's stations were completely redesigned by fashion designer Guido Maria Kretschmer and are subject to ambitious sustainability criteria in addition to high standards of design and quality. This commitment of Deutsche Bahn to social responsibility is reinforced and made visible by certification with the Green Button.

Particularly in the area of public and private procurement with often large quantities, the Green Button can have a significant effect on a rethinking towards more sustainability in the entire textile industry. 

Read more about this in the German press release of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

 

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Authorisation of Green Button Certification Bodies

Since 1 March 2021, certification bodies and their respective auditors require formal authorisation in order to carry out the company audits of the requirements of the government-run certification label Green Button.

The suitability of the certification bodies and their auditors is checked in a two-stage procedure. Auditors receive further training on the topics of due diligence and the Green Button auditing process through an intensive and comprehensive training programme.

A new member since March 2021 is the assurance provider Hohenstein.
Another new member since May 2021 is the certification body Ceres.

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The certification label "Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production" (WRAP) is recognised by the Green Button

Companies can now provide proof of compliance with the Green Button product requirements through another credible certification label. The in-depth examination by a team of experts has shown: The WRAP label of the non-profit "Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production" meets the product requirements for social sustainability of the Green Button.

WRAP only fulfils the Green Button product requirements in combination with a simultaneous certification of the end product with a recognised certification label for environmental standards.

Meeting the Green Button requirements for the recognition of certification labels was also the basic requirement for WRAP to be recognised. For this, a label must be judged as credible. This means, for example: the standard-setting process must be public, the (financial) structure must be transparent and a review of the standard must take place regularly and independently.

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Green Button at Neonyt on Air

Digital instead of presence - everything is different at Berlin Fashion Week this year.
With our partner Neonyt we have nevertheless prepared some input for you and presented an exciting interview, followed by a Q&A session. Take a look: 

Due diligence – due tomorrow? presented by Grüner Knopf

The interview with Anosha Wahidi, Head of Division for Sustainable Supply Chains at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and Max Gilgenmann, Content Director Neonyt. The interview is presented by Grüner Knopf and features insights into the current (political) situation regarding the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles (Bündnis für nachhaltige Textilien), government-run certification label Green Button (Grüner Knopf), the German government's rating portal siegelklarheit.de, but above all the Due Diligence Act (Sorgfaltspflichtengesetz), which is currently being discussed in the media but also behind closed doors.

In a following Q&A session, Anosha Wahidi answered questions from the community on current topics concerning the Green Button. 

You can find more inspiring talks here: Instagram Neonyt on Air

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BMZ statement on the report by Femnet and Public Eye

The statement of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) on the report of the non-governmental organisations Femnet and Public Eye “Hält der Grüner Knopf was er verspricht?” [Does the Green Button live up to its promises?] can be downloaded via the PDF button.

 

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Minister Müller welcomes first successful audit for Green Button outside Germany

The government-run textile label "Green Button" is beginning to play an increasingly important role at the international level, too. The first company outside Germany has now successfully undergone the auditing process for the label - Beirholm Væverier from Denmark ("Væverier" is Danish for "weaving mill"). In the period since the Green Button was introduced in September 2019, 59 companies and their products have completed the process for using the mark, meaning that they comply with its ambitious social and environmental standards.

German Development Minister Gerd Müller stated: "Sustainability is becoming a stronger trend than ever before. I am delighted that Beirholm, a Danish enterprise, has now joined the effort. The Green Button is an international label. There are further international businesses that are currently going through the auditing process.''

Beirholm produces sustainable textiles for hotels and hospitals. We need companies like that! After all, more and more public and private customers are looking for sustainability in the products they buy. For example, the German State of Bavaria is planning to restrict its textiles procurement to products that have been awarded the Green Button or similar labels. Germany's two large faith-based social service agencies, Caritas and Diakonie, have opted for sustainable textiles, too. The 2.2 million beds alone which they have in their 56,000 facilities require huge quantities of textiles. During the current COVID-19 crisis in particular, solidarity and responsibility are extremely important - including with regard to the people who make our garments. Sustainable supply chains are the global social issue of the 21st century."

Beirholm CEO Peter Beirholm said: "Sustainability knows no borders. We are proud to be the first company outside Germany to have been certified with the Green Button. This label offers a holistic approach to sustainability and, being government-run, provides guidance and confidence. We look forward to working with the Green Button to further strengthen sustainability in our industry and to further enhance the profile of the Green Button beyond Germany's borders."

The government-run "Green Button" textile label, which was introduced in 2019, provides reliable guidance for consumers who wish to buy sustainably produced textiles. The label requires compliance with a total of 46 stringent social and environmental standards, from labour rights all the way to testing for chemical residues. Compliance is monitored by independent auditing bodies. What is special about the Green Button is that it is more than a traditional product label. It is the first label that also gives systematic attention to whether the company as a whole meets its due diligence obligations. Does the company know the risks in its supply chain? Is it addressing them? Do garment workers have access to complaints mechanisms? A few products "for show" are not enough. The entire company has to embark on this journey. Many enterprises that wish to use the Green Button have to move forward in order to meet its ambitious standards.

The Green Button was devised as an international label from the beginning - it complies with EU legislation and WTO rules, and auditing is based on harmonised international standards. An application has also been submitted to the European Union Intellectual Property Office to make the Green Button a European Union certification mark.

  • Just a year after its introduction, the Green Button has already become established in the market - in spite of the COVID-19 crisis, which has hit the textile industry particularly hard. In the first half of 2020, more than 50 million textile items with the Green Button label were sold, of which 35 million were garments. This is a market share of 1.5 to 3 per cent - a respectable achievement in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.
  • Green Button products are now available for all tastes and purses - you can dress in Green Button garments from head to toe. There are hats, T-shirts and sneakers, and also bedding, backpacks and even tents.
  • One-third of all Germans have heard about the Green Button. They state clearly that they are in favour of a certification mark run by the German government to monitor compliance with social and environmental standards.
  • An independent market survey carried out by GfK market research institute showed that the Green Button is set to become a success story.

About Beirholm Væverier

Beirholm is a family business in the textile sector. It is based in Kolding, Denmark, and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2020. It develops and sells high-performance textiles for hotels, restaurants, nursing homes and hospitals, with a focus on the European textile services industry. Beirholm pursues a policy of transparency, commitment to sustainability and high social standards along its entire textile supply chain.

 

(Quelle http://www.bmz.de/20210107-1en)

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Green Button 2.0: Expert Advisory Council discusses the draft of the Due Diligence Requirements

In a council meeting on December 10th, 2020, the members of the expert advisory council chaired by Michael Windfuhr (Deputy Director of the German Institute for Human Rights) have already had the chance to discuss the draft version of the Due Diligence Requirements.

The statement of the expert advisory council can be downloaded here

The expert advisory council’s feedback on the Due Diligence Requirements marks the start of the public consultation. All interested parties are invited to participate in the consultation.

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Fashion Talk: Minister Müller, Textile Ambassador Barbara Meier and entrepreneur Matthias Mey discuss sustainability in the fashion industry

German Development Minister Dr Gerd Müller will join model and textile ambassador Barbara Meier, designer and Bunte NEW FACES winner Julia Leifert, entrepreneur Matthias Mey and others to discuss the topic of sustainability in fashion at the Bunte NEW FACES FASHION TALK on 1 July 2020 at 18:30. How aware are we of sustainable fashion? How is the COVID-19 impacting the industry? What influence do policymakers, the private sector and consumers have? These are the key questions that will be discussed by the panel of experts. The video of the talk will be available on IGTV and on the BUNTE TV Youtube channel.

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Sustainability in business, discount retail and architecture: Minister Müller at the FOCUS Inner Circle Talk

Will we live more consciously in the future? How can we succeed in making tomorrow's world sustainable? And what have we learned from Corona? Federal Development Minister Dr Gerd Müller spoke about these and other questions in an expert talk at the FOCUS Inner Circle on 21 September 2020 in Düsseldorf. In a discussion with Louisa Dellert (author, founder and influencer), Christoph Ingenhoven (architect) and Dr. Julia Adou (Head of Corporate Responsibility ALDI SÜD), exciting insights into the topic of sustainability in business, discount retail and architecture were given. Click here for the video of the expert talk.

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Development communication: The Green Button at the GLOBAL DAY

How can current communication tools be used for development policy issues? This question will be addressed by various actors at the GLOBAL DAY in Cologne. They will discuss how moving images and social media campaigns offer communication opportunities, for example to report on the 17 goals for sustainable development, and will present best practice cases from Germany and Africa. The Green Button is also represented at the event: The certification label will be presented in more detail at an information stand and the Green Button event team will be wearing Green Button certified masks, T-shirts and hoodies from the brand Chiemsee. The day will end with the presentation of the NRW Media Award for development policy commitment and the screening of I AM GRETA.

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The Global Recycled Standard is recognised by the Green Button

We are pleased that companies can now provide proof of compliance with the Green Button product requirements by means of another credible label. After thorough examination, a team of experts concluded that the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) of the globally active non-profit organisation “Textile Exchange“ fulfils the product requirements of the Green Button with one exception.

GRS fulfils the criteria of environmental sustainability only in combination with a simultaneous certification of the end-product according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100. Furthermore, GRS is recognised as official proof of the Green Button criteria for social sustainability.

The basic prerequisite for the recognition of GRS was also the fulfilment of the Green Button requirements for the recognition of certification labels. In this context, the label must be classified as credible. This means, for example, that the process of standard setting must be public, the (financial) structure must be transparent and a review of the standard must take place regularly and independently.

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The government-run textile label Green Button one year on

A year ago, Germany's Federal Development Minister Gerd Müller and 27 pioneering companies introduced the government-run Green Button certification label. The label offers consumers clear guidance when purchasing socially and environmentally manufactured textiles. Some 52 companies have now signed up to the certification scheme, including some of the very first sustainability pioneers, sport brands, family companies, medium-sized enterprises and large international retailers.

Minister Müller: 'In spite of a difficult economic situation, the Green Button has established itself on the market. I’m delighted that we now have 52 companies on board. We’ve doubled the number in the first year, despite the textile industry being particularly hard hit by the coronavirus crisis. It's now possible to dress head to toe in Green Button products – from hats to T-shirts to training shoes. Bed linen, backpacks and tents are also available certified with the Green Button. The label is available for every taste and all budgets, proving that sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be expensive.’

A representative study by the market research institute GfK concluded that, 'The Green Button is well on the way to becoming a success story.’ Around one third of Germans are familiar with the label which, compared to other sustainability certification labels, is a very good result after just a year. And virtually all those asked were in favour of a government-run certification label for monitoring social and environmental standards. People also know what the Green Button stands for – prohibiting child labour and dangerous chemicals and paying a minimum wage.

This trust is reflected at the shop counter: In the first half of 2020, which was a difficult economic period, more than 50 million textiles with the Green Button were sold, including 35 million items of clothing. Extrapolating the data, that gives the Green Button a market share of between 1.5 and 3 per cent. By way of comparison: In the first year after its introduction, Germany’s ‘Bio’ organic certification label had a 2-per cent market share, climbing to 3.5 per cent after seven years.

Minister Müller went on to say that, 'The Green Button is more than a textile label – it’s a symbol of our responsibility. We need a fundamental shift towards more sustainability in global supply chains. Many of our products are produced by people who up to now could barely live off what they earn. Today, some 75 million children worldwide still have to labour under exploitative conditions – and they do so for our products, too. More and more customers don’t want to accept this anymore and are demanding that producers comply with basic minimum standards. The companies participating in the Green Button label already do that. And so, one year on, the Green Button is also a blueprint for cross-sector supply chain legislation. This label shows that it can work. Even small startups can do it.'

Social welfare organisations Diakonie Deutschland and Caritas Germany are now also supporting sustainable textiles. The two organisations are the largest textile purchasers in Germany outside the public sector. For the 2.2 million beds and spaces in their 56,000 facilities alone, they require huge amounts of bed linen. On the first anniversary of the Green Button, 9 September 2020, Germany's Development Minister Gerd Müller and the President of Diakonie Deutschland, Ulrich Lilie, together with the Secretary General of Caritas Germany, Hans Jörg Millies, signed an agreement.

Müller said he was pleased that Diakonie and Caritas are supporting the Green Button, adding that private and public institutions can make a major contribution to fair supply chains through consistent sustainable procurement. He explained that, ‘The concept of Christian charity also applies to the people at the start of the supply chain, like the garment industry workers in Bangladesh who sew our products on a piecework basis.’

(Source: http://www.bmz.de/20200909-1)

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The Green Button – our label of responsibility

German Development Minister Dr Gerd Müller would like to warmly invite you to attend the launch of the Green Button label.

Official launch on Monday, 9 September 2019,
14:00 – 16:00 (followed by a reception)

German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ),
Stresemannstraße 94, 10963 Berlin, Germany

Three quarters of all consumers state that they believe sustainable fashion is important. Quite rightly, they don’t want to wear a T-shirt that has been produced by people working 16-hour shifts and earning a pittance. Nor do they want a product that has been dyed with toxic chemicals.

That is why many companies are now demonstrating that sustainable fashion is possible! The Green Button is our label of responsibility. It offers guidance on buying sustainably manufactured textiles.

Join us as we certify products manufactured by companies that already produce environmentally and socially sustainable textiles and present the new Green Button textile label to the public.

Please obtain your credentials by sending an email with your name, contact details and medium to: presse@bmz.bund.de

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Speech by German Development Minister Dr Gerd Müller on the occasion of the unveiling of the government-run textile label, the Green Button, at the Federal Press Conference

Check against delivery!

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Mr Detjen,

Bishop Bedford-Strohm,

Ms von Dewitz,

Mr Linemayr,

75 million people work in the textile industry worldwide. Most of them are women in developing countries. Many of them also work to produce the clothes we wear, often under appalling conditions. This was vividly illustrated by the terrible disaster at the Rana Plaza factory, which also made a major impression on me. The worst disaster in the history of the textile industry left 1,136 people dead and 2,500 with extremely serious injuries. It is therefore a great honour that one of the survivors of Rana Plaza will be joining us at our launch event here at the German Development Ministry this afternoon.

We could continue to look the other way and allow people to slave away for us, but that won’t work. That’s why I sat here at a Federal Press Conference for the launch of the Textile Partnership almost five years ago to the day. I said at the time that we couldn’t allow the ‘cheap at any cost’ mentality to be our motivation and this remains true today. Manufacturing operations continue to be relocated to developing countries, where standards are violated that are applicable for good reason in Europe.

  • In Ethiopia, for instance, seamstresses earn less than 20 euro cents an hour. This is not enough to cover rent, food, school fees or medical treatment.
  • Seamstresses are paid 0.6% of the money made from a brand-name T-shirt.
  • 20% of industrial water pollution is attributable to textile dyeing.

You can read all of this in a new study by the German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE).


 

The Textile Partnership remains relevant and underpins all that we do. We set up the Textile Partnership in 2014 to bring about fundamental change. And we’ve succeeded. Our 120 members, including companies, business associations, trade unions and non-governmental organisations, are moving in the right direction together. 160 toxic chemicals are being banned from the manufacturing process and the proportion of sustainable cotton is set to be increased to 70 per cent by 2025. Member companies now account for 50 per cent of German retail. The Textile Partnership is a success and will remain relevant.


 

The Green Button is the next step. We are now taking the next step with the Green Button, certifying companies that already meet especially stringent requirements. There is currently no other label like the Green Button. It is the German government’s textile label, registered with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, and provides ambitiously high social and environmental standards. These standards require reductions in toxic waste water and hazardous chemicals, a ban on child labour in supplier factories, payment of minimum wages and more occupational health and safety measures.


 

Consumers can be confident that Green Button textiles have been manufactured to the highest standards. What is special about the Green Button is that the entire company is audited. Offering individual products for show is not enough. For a T-shirt to carry the Green Button label, it must meet 46 demanding social and environmental criteria.

  • 26 of these criteria apply to products, such as T-shirts, bed linen and backpacks,
  • and the other 20 pertain to the company as a whole. Does it disclose suppliers? Do seamstresses have recourse to grievance mechanisms locally?

No other scheme conducts such detailed checks.


 

In this way, the Green Button gives consumers confidence. The government lays down the criteria for the Green Button and independent certification bodies review compliance with the criteria set, in Bangladesh and Romania as well if necessary. The auditing process is also monitored by the Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS - German national accreditation body) As a ‘certifier of certifiers’, it ensures that the certification bodies have the necessary expertise and know what is important.


 

Who is involved? 27 companies, including small three-person enterprises, SMEs, recognised sustainability pioneers and large companies with several thousand employees, have already completed the full auditing process: Alma & Lovis, Aldi Nord, Aldi Süd, Brands Fashion, CharLe, Derbe, Dibella, Engel, Feuervogl, Hans Natur, hessnatur, Hopp, Kaufland, Kaya&Kato, Lidl, Manomama, Melawear, Millitomm, Modespitze Plauen, Phyne, Posseimo, Rewe Group, Schweickardt Moden, Tchibo, Trigema, Vaude, 3 Freunde.


 

26 more companies are currently undergoing the auditing process, including Hugo Boss, the Otto Group and smaller firms such as Socks4Fun. Three other companies are interested, including from overseas. The Green Button is a global certification label. The Green Button can also be used by German companies abroad, and companies from other countries can apply for Green Button certification. The demand shows that we’re on the right track. The Green Button is ambitious and unbureaucratic.

Products carrying the Green Button label are now available on the market. They include clothing, bags and tents, as well as bed linen, which is relevant for public procurement. We invite you to come and visit BMZ at 14:00 and take a look at the wide range of products yourself.


 

What is next? The social and environmental criteria will be developed on an ongoing basis in the coming years, for example, to include living wages. This will be supported by an expert advisory council comprising representatives of industry, the science and research community, and civil society. We will also extend the Green Button to cover other production steps, such as cotton growing. We are initially tackling the two key production steps, namely sewing and dyeing.

  • All of the 100 billion garments produced worldwide each year undergo these processes,
  • which involve 75 million workers.
  • You can usually identify which colour will be in vogue next season by looking at the rivers, as each dyeworks releases 2.5 tonnes of chemicals, often untreated, into the sewage system each day.
  • Additionally, it was during this production stage that the Rana Plaza textile factory collapsed.

We’re setting the bar high with the Green Button and showing that fair supply chains are feasible. This is also proven by the many small enterprises involved in the Green Button process. As of today, no one can dispute this any longer.

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Video: Tackling fast fashion

Never before have we owned so many clothes. Our clothing consumption has doubled from 50 billion new garments in 2000 to around 100 billion at present. At the same time, we are spending less on what we wear. This is explained by the phenomenon of fast fashion – clothes so cheap that they end up in the used-clothes container after being worn just two or three times. Esther Schweins is declaring war on fast fashion. In her work, she also calls for action from those with political responsibility. German Development Minister Gerd Müller intends to use the Green Button to certify socially and environmentally manufactured clothing.

Watch the video here

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Video: The cost of cheap clothing

Our clothing is only so cheap because it is produced cheaply in other countries, like here in Ethiopia. A new law could now require manufacturers to comply with minimum social standards. German Development Minister Gerd Müller has visited Ethiopia to see the situation for himself. With the Green Button, the German government-run textile label, he is showing that sustainable working conditions can be achieved.

Watch the video here

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Future of Fashion: German Development Minister Gerd Müller with Wolfgang Joop, livestream

German Development Minister Dr Gerd Müller will join Wolfgang Joop on Thursday 30 April 2020 at 19:00 to discuss the future of fashion and the impact of COVID-19 on the textile industry. The Inner Circle, the talk series of FOCUS magazine, will be held as a livestream. Other guests include Anita Tillmann, Managing Partner of PREMIUM Exhibitions, and FOCUS magazine’s Sara Sievert, who will chair the discussion. You are welcome to take part. The livestream link will be posted on www.facebook.com/focusmagazin and on FOCUS magazine’s  YouTube channel shortly before the event begins.

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Launch of the new Green Button issuing body

Public-benefit firm RAL gGmbH is assuming with immediate effect the role of official issuing and monitoring body for the Green Button on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). RAL will support all certified and interested companies through the entire process in future, from application to the awarding of licences. Through market monitoring, the issuing body also checks for proper application of the label in retail and advertising.

More information can be found here.

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Fashion Talk: Minister Müller, Fairtrade Ambassador Lea Marlen Woitack and Chiemsee Managing Director Jan Schmidt talk about sustainable fashion

On Thursday, 8 October 2020 at 2.30 pm, Federal Minister Dr Gerd Müller will discuss the possibilities of sustainability in the fashion industry with Fairtrade ambassador and actress Lea Marlen Woitack and Chiemsee Managing Director Jan Schmidt. The Chiemsee brand has been selling textiles certified with the Green Button certification label since June 2020. What are the challenges in the textile supply chain? And what has already been achieved to address these challenges? What can customers look out for when buying textiles? How can certification labels provide orientation? The talk will be shared live through the Freundin Magazin via Facebook.

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Publication of Green Button Standard and Certification Programme

The Green Button has been registered with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) as a European Union certification mark. The product and due diligence requirements of the Green Button were combined into a Standard document for the purposes of the application. This corresponds to standard international practice in accordance with ISO rules. The criteria and indicators of the Green Button 1.0 remain unaffected by this adjustment.

The equally accessible Certification Programme of the Green Button (German only) provides a concise version of the key requirements for auditing the Green Button criteria, including requirements for certification bodies and auditors. The Certification Programme is currently being revised. The adapted Certification Programme is set to be made available in summer 2020.

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German Development Minister Gerd Müller: Working with Bangladesh for progress in the textile industry

Germany is consolidating its partnership with Bangladesh in order to improve working conditions in the textile sector. As such, cooperation is being stepped up with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) for the purpose of further developing the Green Button. That is the outcome of a meeting between German Development Minister Gerd Müller and Bangladesh’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abul Kalam Abdul Momen.

German Development Minister Gerd Müller: ‘The textile industry is the lifeblood of Bangladesh, but far too often it endangers the lives of the seamstresses. As consumers in Europe, we have a responsibility to the seamstresses too. The Green Button helps with this effort, serving as a sign of sustainably produced textiles. Nonetheless, the government must also play its part, which is why it’s important that Bangladesh has brought in improvements, such as raising the minimum wage in the textile sector. It needs to continue in this vein, not least to improve fire safety. Germany is offering its support in this endeavour.’

The Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh (ACCORD) was established in the wake of the collapse of the Rana Plaza textile factory in 2013. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is supporting its goals by providing EUR 7 million to promote investment in safety measures. BMZ has also worked with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to train 300 labour inspectors in order to improve government supervision of textile factories.

(Source: http://www.bmz.de/20191019-1(German only))

 

 

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What people are saying about the Green Button – German Development Minister Dr Gerd Müller

‘The government is responsible for setting the criteria. Independent auditors check for compliance with the required standards. This builds trust.’

‘What is special about the Green Button is that the entire company is audited. Offering individual products for show is not enough. No other scheme conducts such detailed checks.’

‘Over 50 companies are interested in the Green Button. The demand shows that we’re on the right track.’

‘A total of 46 stringent social and environmental criteria must be met, covering a wide spectrum from wastewater to forced labour. They also include a ban on exploitative child labour.’

‘The tragic collapse of the Rana Plaza factory, which claimed the lives of over 1,000 textile workers, must never be allowed to happen again.’

‘I’m delighted to see an increasing number of people enquiring as to whether their clothes have been fairly produced and calling upon companies and politicians to ensure that clothing is sustainably manufactured. 16-hour shifts in stuffy factories, a lack of personal protective clothing, firing of workers if they become pregnant, the use of hazardous chemicals and the payment of breadline wages must all finally become something of the past.’

‘Many companies are already demonstrating that sustainable fashion is possible. This is why I don’t buy the argument that companies have no control over the conditions in factories. Even small start-ups manage to do something about this. After all, we live in the digital age.’

‘Look out for the Green Button if you’re interested in purchasing socially responsible and environmentally friendly fashion in future. With every purchase, we can help consumers to end child labour and protect the environment.’

 

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Dorint is first hotel chain in Germany to switch to sustainable textiles with Green Button label

The Germany-based Dorint hotel group is switching to using socially-sound and environmentally-friendly sustainable textiles. Beginning with aprons and everyday face masks for staff members, the company will also subsequently move to certified bed linen for its 10,000-plus hotel rooms and certified workwear for its 4,500 employees. German Development Minister Gerd Müller welcomes the sustainable approach and visited a Dorint hotel in Eppendorf, Hamburg. Minister Müller had introduced the new Green Button textile label in September 2019.

German Development Minister Gerd Müller: ‘I’m delighted to see Dorint leading the way and opting for sustainable textiles under the Green Button label. It’s good for the environment and for people. In times of crisis especially, solidarity and responsibility are vital, not least for the workers at the beginning of our supply chains. We wear face masks in hotels and shops because we want to take care of one another. The same must also apply to the people who manufacture the clothes we wear. Sustainability must become the norm. Dorint shows us that this is possible.’

Dirk Iserlohe, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Dorint Hotelgroup: ‘Sustainability should be put into practice, not just talked about, and so we’ve started to re-think things in terms of where we procure our new workwear and the necessary textiles.’

By switching to sustainable textiles, the Dorint hotel chain is extending its social commitment and taking on more environmental responsibility.

 

Background

About KAYA&KATO GmbH

Dorint’s workwear and textiles are manufactured by Cologne-based firm KAYA&KATO. KAYA&KATO GmbH was one of the first companies to be certified with the German Development Ministry’s Green Button textile label in September 2019.

 

About the Green Button

The Green Button is the government-run certification label for sustainable textiles. A total of 46 stringent social and environmental criteria must be met, covering a wide spectrum from wastewater to forced labour. What is special about the Green Button is that the entire company is audited, not just individual T-shirts or textiles. Offering individual products for show is not enough. The entire company must operate in a sustainable manner. 40 companies have already undergone Green Button certification since the label was launched in 2019 and offer Green Button-certified products.

 

About the Dorint Group

Headquartered in Cologne, the Dorint Group is one of Germany’s leading hotel chains. The long-established firm belongs to holding company HONESTIS AG and currently operates over 60 hotels under the brands ‘Dorint Hotels & Resorts’, ‘Hommage Luxury Hotels Collection’ and ‘Essential by Dorint’, with three hotels in Switzerland and one in Austria. The company presently employs over 4,500 staff members. 25 September 2019 marked the 60th anniversary of the ‘Dorint Hotels & Resorts’ brand.

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Green Button: Expert advisory council commences work

Berlin – German Development Minister Dr Gerd Müller has appointed the members of the Green Button’s independent expert advisory council. The advisory council will advise the German Development Ministry on further developing the government-run textile label.

Müller: ‘I’m delighted that we’ve been able to appoint proven experts to the advisory council. They will help us to further develop the Green Button requirements, because the Green Button aims to protect people and the environment along the entire textile supply chain.

The five-member advisory council is an independent expert body and comprises:

  • Prof. Stefanie Lorenzen, Professor of Business Law, especially Industrial Law and Social Legislation, at the Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR)
  • Philipp von Bremen, Head of Consumer Policy Division, Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv)
  • Michael Windfuhr, Deputy Director, German Institute for Human Rights
  • Dr. Raoul Kirmes, Head of Development of Business Segments, Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS - German national accreditation body)
  • Achim Lohrie, Sustainability Expert, Lohrie-Consulting

One of the focal areas of the expert advisory council will be on the establishment of a consumer-friendly system for tracking the certified products. The Green Button is also set to cover other production steps in the supply chain in future. The advisory council’s recommendations will be available to the general public.

Philipp von Bremen from the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv): ‘The Green Button should make it easier for people to find clothes produced in a socially and environmentally sustainable manner and navigate the maze of textile labels. Nonetheless, if consumers are to accept the label, the award criteria need to be effective and transparent. This is exactly what I will work to promote on the advisory council.’

The Green Button was launched by German Development Minister Dr Gerd Müller on 9 September 2019. Over 30 companies have already had their products, including T-shirts, trousers, shoes, backpacks, tents and bed linen, certified with the Green Button label.

(Source: http://www.bmz.de/20200309-2 (German only))

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Largest university hospital in northern Germany switches to Green Button-certified bed linen

Lübeck – The University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein in Lübeck will in future purchase bed linen certified with the new Green Button government-run textile label.

Dr Gerd Müller, German Development Minister: ‘I’m delighted to see northern Germany’s largest university hospital taking responsibility. It’s a hospital of the future, not only due to its new facilities and state-of-the-art technology, but also because of its decision to opt for sustainable bed linen. It’s wonderful to see Lübeck using textiles displaying the new Green Button label. This means the label has reached the public procurement sector, which is a major milestone. The federal state of Schleswig-Holstein serves as a role model for the German Government and other federal states and local authorities. It’s now time for more hospitals and welfare organisations to take on responsibility and switch to sustainable procurement practices. In this way, we’ll ensure that people at the beginning of the supply chain in developing countries benefit from their work and that the environment is protected.’

German Development Minister Gerd Müller unveiled the government-run label for textiles produced in a socially and environmentally sustainable manner back in early September 2019.

The textiles are manufactured by Bocholt-based company Dibella, which has specialised in textiles for the hotel, restaurant and health care sectors.

Müller: ‘Dibella is a sustainability pioneer. It’s one of the first companies to offer textiles certified with the Green Button label. Dibella has already been working for several years within the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, gradually implementing steps each year to improve working and environmental conditions in the textile supply chain.’

Ralf Hellmann, Managing Director, Dibella: ‘We share German Development Minister Müller’s vision of a greater sense of responsibility in textile procurement, which is why we’ve been working towards this goal from the beginning. This vision has now become reality with the Green Button and the implementation of the first sustainable procurement project in a public institution. We’re proud to be involved in this important task in cooperation with our long-standing client Sitex.’

Before a company is certified to use the Green Button, it must comply with 46 rigorous social and environmental criteria, covering a wide spectrum from wastewater to forced labour. What is special about the Green Button is that the entire company is audited, not just the product. Does it disclose suppliers? Do seamstresses in production countries have recourse to grievance mechanisms? Does the company remedy shortcomings?

There are already 27 companies on board with the Green Button label. Another 100 have expressed interest in the label and will be audited in the coming months.

(Source: http://www.bmz.de/20191108-1 (German only))

 

 

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German Development Minister Gerd Müller welcomes federal state of Bavaria’s decision regarding sustainable textiles

Berlin – The German federal state of Bavaria and its businesses will in future only purchase textiles that have been sustainably produced and certified with labels such as the Green Button.

German Development Minister Gerd Müller on the motion now approved by the Bavarian State Parliament’s Committee on Economic Affairs:

‘The federal state of Bavaria is showing international solidarity in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. I’m delighted to see Bavaria leading the way and opting for sustainable textile procurement. This is the only way to show our solidarity with those who most urgently need it, namely the seamstresses and dyers in the countries where our textiles are produced. The Green Button represents high minimum social and environmental standards. It makes responsibility visible for consumers and procurement agencies. I hope that many of Bavaria’s local authorities, public institutions such as hospitals and businesses will follow this example.’

Many companies and indeed hospitals are already employing the Green Button label. Greiff Mode, a traditional Bamberg-based business, for instance, offers Green Button-certified workwear. The University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein in Lübeck, the largest of its kind in northern Germany, purchases certified bed linen. And just a few days ago, the Dorint hotel chain announced that it would be switching its textiles to the Green Button system.

The Green Button is the government-run certification label for sustainable textiles. 46 stringent social and environmental criteria must be met, covering a wide spectrum from wastewater to forced labour. What is special about the Green Button is that the entire company is audited, not just individual T-shirts or textiles. Offering individual products for show is not enough. The entire company must operate in a sustainable manner. 40 companies have already undergone Green Button certification since the label was launched in 2019 and offer certified products such as shoes, fashion wear, bed linen, towels, backpacks and tents.

(Source: http://www.bmz.de/20200703-1 (German only))

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German Development Minister Gerd Müller unveils Green Button government-run textile label

Berlin – German Development Minister Dr Gerd Müller today unveiled the Green Button government-run textile label. It is launching with 27 companies, all of whom have satisfied the requirements of the textile label. 26 other companies are currently undergoing the auditing process.

German Development Minister Gerd Müller: ‘Globalisation began in the 19th Century in the textile industry. It’s now time for fair globalisation to emerge in the same sector. We’re setting the bar high with the Green Button and showing that fair supply chains are feasible. As of today, no one can dispute this any longer, as proven by all the companies taking part.’

German Development Minister Gerd Müller: ‘That is what is special about the Green Button. The entire company is audited. Offering individual products for show is not enough. No other scheme conducts such detailed checks.’

The Green Button will initially cover the two key production steps, namely sewing and dyeing, all of the 100 billion garments worldwide go through this stage, which involves 75 million workers. Additionally, it was during this production stage that the Rana Plaza textile factory collapsed.

Over the next few years, the Green Button will be extended to cover other production steps, such as cotton growing. The social and environmental criteria will also be developed on an ongoing basis, for example, to include living wages. This will be supported by an expert advisory council comprising representatives of industry, the science and research community, and civil society.

German Development Minister Gerd Müller: ‘Fair fashion is a mega trend. It’s important to three quarters of consumers, but so far there has been a lack of guidance. This is now changing with the Green Button. With each purchasing decision we make, we can contribute to a fair globalisation process in which people and the environment are not exploited for our benefit as consumers, and help promote humanity and human rights.’

The following companies are signed up:

27 companies have already passed the audit of the Green Button label, including start-ups, SMEs, recognised sustainability pioneers and large corporations: Alma & Lovis, Aldi Nord, Aldi Süd, Brands Fashion, CharLe, Derbe, Dibella, Engel, Feuervogl, Hans Natur, hessnatur, Hopp, Kaufland, Kaya&Kato, Lidl, Manomama, Melawear, Millitomm, Modespitze Plauen, Phyne, Posseimo, Rewe Group, Schweickardt Moden, Tchibo, Trigema, Vaude, 3 Freunde.

26 more companies are currently undergoing the auditing process, including Hugo Boss, the Otto Group and smaller firms such as Socks4Fun.

What people are saying about the Green Button:

Klaus Müller, Executive Director, Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) ‘The Green Button has the potential to help consumers better navigate the maze of textile labels. Whether or not the label meets the high expectations and resonates with consumers crucially depends on the degree of open communication during its launch.’

Barbara Meier, Textile Ambassador and Germany’s Next Top Model: ‘We should never underestimate the power we have as consumers. At the end of the day, an entire industry gears itself also to meeting our wishes and needs.’

Ralf Scheller, Chief Operating Officer, TÜV Rheinland AG: ‘With the Green Button, the German Government is sending an important signal. It’s a step in the right direction towards sustainability. Other branches of industry can follow suit.’

Ulrich Lilie, President, Diakonie Deutschland: ‘As the Diakonie, we welcome this initiative by BMZ, as we intend to step up our work in the area of sustainable textiles in future. After all, we use a great deal of bed linen, towels and work clothes in our facilities. As such, this is an extremely relevant issue for the Diakonie.’

Thomas Linemayr, CEO, Tchibo: ‘We welcome the Green Button’s goal of making it as easy as possible for consumers to choose more sustainable products and auditing the companies themselves for their overall commitment to sustainability. We’re proud to be there from the beginning.’

Alexander Birken, CEO, Otto Group Holding: ‘I welcome the initiative of Gerd Müller, Federal Development Minister, to offer consumers more guidance when it comes to buying sustainable, fairly manufactured textiles. The Otto Group actively supports this goal and the first companies within the group are already taking up the challenge of certification.’’

Rayk Mende, Managing Director Corporate Responsibility, Aldi Nord: ‘With the Green Button, we are providing our customers with additional guidance when shopping.’

Wolfgang Grupp junior, Trigema: ‘The Green Button is an important label of confidence for us. One that shows us all that Trigema is the brand of responsibility.’

Jürgen Schweikardt, Owner, Schweikardt Moden GmbH: ‘Congratulations – the Green Button is moving in the right direction!’

Antje von Dewitz, Managing Director, Vaude: ‘We’re seeing that a growing number of people want to buy their clothes with a clean conscience. The Green Button offers them clear guidance by providing a government-run label that identifies environmentally-friendly and fairly produced products. We’re delighted to be involved at the start and to have obtained Green Button certification for 98 per cent of VAUDE’s current clothing line.’

Andrea Ebinger, CEO, hessnatur ‘We welcome the fact that BMZ and its dedicated team are now advancing the topic of sustainability in fashion, something that we’ve been practising as a matter of conviction for over 40 years. We see the Green Button as a potential pioneer of standards for environmentally-friendly and socially fair textile production for the whole of Europe, if not beyond.’

Dr Raoul Kirmes, Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS - German national accreditation body) (‘Certifier of certifiers’): ‘DAkkS supports the government-run Green Button certification label. It provides consumers with a reliable means of identifying socially-sound and environmentally-friendly sustainable textiles that is monitored by the German government. The introduction of government control over certification bodies of consumer-related labels was long overdue, as consumers can only make sustainable purchasing decisions if they have confidence in the labels and certificates. As a global system, the Green Button meets internationally harmonised ISO standards and, by extension, complies with EU and WTO legislation. In the textile sector especially, where supply chains are fully globalised, this is essential.’

Klaus Müller, Executive Director, Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) ‘Despite some initial difficulties, the Green Button is moving in the right direction and I believe it should be given a chance to establish itself and develop its work further. Such development is necessary in order to not only scrutinise what goes on in the textile factories and dyeworks, but also require evidence of compliance with environmental, social and human rights standards from actors throughout the supply chain (from the cotton field to the clothes hanger, as Minister Müller often says). The goal of achieving living wages, established in the preamble to the Green Button statute, must be tackled in the near future.

It’s good to see BMZ also advocating for a law on supply chains. The Green Button is not inconsistent with this law, as BMZ has made it clear that the criteria for Green Button certification must always be significantly more stringent than the statutory requirements.

As a government-run meta-label, the Green Button is important, as it will soon leave the German Government, federal states and local authorities without any excuses and ensure that they only purchase textiles (uniforms, lab coats, bed linen, curtains etc.) bearing the Green Button label. It could also help consumers to better navigate the maze of textile labels.’

Pirmin Spiegel, Director General, MISEREOR: ‘We welcome Minister Müller’s actions in using the Green Button textile label to further raise awareness among the German public of the topic of sustainable fashion and thereby highlighting the urgent need for improvement in conditions within the textile industry.’

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