In a strategic move to enhance its global impact on sustainable fashion, OEKO-TEX has officially joined the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network (UNFLN). This membership marks a major milestone in the organization’s mission to support transparency, responsible production, and environmental stewardship in the textile and fashion industries.
TESTEX, a key institute within the OEKO-TEX Association, will represent the organization in the UNFLN.
As a longstanding provider of independent testing and certification, TESTEX will contribute OEKO-TEX’s scientific expertise to global discussions on sustainable practices. The collaboration is set to strengthen initiatives that prioritize traceability, chemical safety, and socially responsible working conditions across supply chains.
By joining the network, OEKO-TEX is also aligning its work with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), through chemical testing to ensure safe textiles; SDG 5 (Gender Equality), via certification criteria that promote equal opportunity; and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), by regulating chemical use and wastewater in production. In addition, the organization supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) with tools like STeP and MADE IN GREEN that emphasize safe labor practices and full-chain transparency.
Further, OEKO-TEX is contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by developing systems that measure environmental impact and promote climate-friendly manufacturing. Its involvement in SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) also opens the door to deeper collaborations with UN agencies, NGOs, and private sector innovators.
Membership in the UNFLN gives OEKO-TEX a global platform to present best practices and engage with high-level policy conversations. The organization will now have increased visibility in global sustainability reports, policy briefings, and forums hosted by the UN and its partners. This not only amplifies OEKO-TEX’s influence but also strengthens its commitment to supporting fashion brands, manufacturers, and consumers in building a more ethical and sustainable future.
This development underlines a critical shift: sustainability in fashion is no longer a niche topic—it’s a global imperative. With organizations like OEKO-TEX leading through action and science, the path toward responsible fashion becomes clearer, more credible, and more achievable.
