Webinar Recap: The Green Button in Dialogue with the European Commission
On May 21, 2025, the European Commission hosted a webinar to learn more about the Green Button. The topic: “Enhancing Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence in the Textile Sector: Insights from Germany's Green Button Certification.” Around 25 staff members from various departments of the EU Commission took part. The goal was to engage in dialogue and better understand how the Green Button can support companies in implementing both legal and voluntary due diligence obligations.
Why the Green Button Is Relevant for the EU
The event began with a welcome by Bart Castermans from the Directorate-General for Trade (DG TRADE). He explained that the EU is deeply engaged in exploring how due diligence obligations can be implemented effectively, and what role certification systems like the Green Button can play in this context.
Julia Schmidt from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) explained that the BMZ launched the Green Button in 2019 in response to serious issues in the textile industry. Today, the Ministry views the certification as a relevant tool for implementing both voluntary and mandatory corporate responsibility standards.
The Green Button: A Practical Label for Implementing Due Diligence
Christine Moser-Priewich, Head of the Green Button Secretariat, provided an in-depth overview of the government-run certification label. She explained how the Green Button helps companies take a systematic approach to human rights and environmental due diligence throughout global supply chains. She especially emphasized the label’s international relevance, as it can support companies worldwide in taking responsibility across the textile supply chain.
BAFA: Green-Button-Licensed Companies Are Better Prepared
Florian Woitek-Kießling from the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) shared practical insights. According to him, companies licensed with the Green Button are significantly better prepared to meet the requirements of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG). During audits, these companies also tend to provide information more quickly and in a more structured way. BAFA also values the Green Button’s alignment not only with national regulations but also with international due diligence standards.
Practical Insights from Tchibo and Brands Fashion
How does the Green Button support day-to-day operations? Tianne Groeneveld (Head of Human Rights, Tchibo) and Rabea Schafrick (Lead Sustainability, Brands Fashion) shared their experiences. The Green Button helped them improve internal processes - such as environmental and social management - and approach many tasks more systematically. Both emphasized that the label prepared them well for legal requirements like the LkSG and the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). They also noted the added value in communicating their commitment externally to customers. An additional benefit is the ongoing exchange within the Green Button community, where companies can connect and learn from each other.
Concluding with an Open Q&A Session
To wrap up, participants had the opportunity to ask questions. It became clear that many were curious about the business case for due diligence: Is it economically viable? How can companies benefit if they don’t have direct customer contact? What role will recycling play in the future of the Green Button? The responses made clear: while due diligence requires time and resources, it brings long-term benefits, such as better risk management and increased customer trust.
Conclusion: The Green Button as a Practical Support Tool
The discussion once again confirmed: the Green Button is a valuable tool for implementing human rights and environmental responsibility in the textile industry. It helps companies address legal and voluntary requirements - both nationally and internationally - in a structured way. Especially valuable is the active Green Button community, where companies collaborate, share experiences, and develop solutions together.