Blog

September is a great time to reflect on our precious planet. World Clean Up Day is September 19th and European Sustainable Development Week runs from September 20th -26th.

Sustainability has been at the core of OEKO-TEX®’s identity for almost three decades. We are pleased to see more people and businesses are thinking about how their actions effect the environment. Collectively and individually, we are all responsible for the health of this Earth. As we all strive toward creating a greener tomorrow, the OEKO-TEX® mission remains steadfast: making the textile and leather industry more sustainable, trustworthy and safe.

Now more than ever, it is important to be compassionate towards other people and the planet. International Day of Friendship, set for July 30, celebrates the idea that friendship between people, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.

World Oceans Day, set for June 8, encourages the global community to celebrate and honor our oceans and work together to protect and restore them. It is a time to focus on how the textile industry can be accountable for the what goes into the water.

Face masks have become instrumental in fighting the spread of COVID-19. As result, our faces will be in constant contact with textiles as a part of daily life. This is particularly true for essential workers. Certain chemicals used in textiles and during textile production can cause ailments to people who wear the clothing made with them. The elderly and allergy sufferers are especially sensitive. Since face masks directly cover our noses and mouths and we breathe through them, it is critical to test them for harmful substances. 

Earth Day is an important reminder that we must all take responsibility and act in ways that protect our planet. It is an opportunity to pause and consider how our actions impact the health of the Earth.   

Textile dyeing is the second largest polluter of water globally, and the fashion industry produces 20 percent of global wastewater. When it comes to producing clothing and home goods, manufacturers’ extensive water use, and dirty water discharge, negatively affects the environment, impacting ecosystems, animal and human food chains and soil/groundwater contamination.

On the 15th of Marchwe celebrate the annual World Consumer Rights Day as a means to raise global awareness about consumer rights and needs.

8 March 2020 is International Women’s Day – on this day, we particularly like to look at impressive female top executives, who successfully manage their family alongside their career. One of these strong women is Carola Grummt, who has held the position of Head of Business Development, Product Management and IT at the OEKO-TEX® Association in the Zurich location since 2016.