Germany Launches "Green Button" Textile Label

Release time:

2019-09-21

The German government officially launched the "Green Button" (Grü nerKnopf German, GreenButton English) textile label, which is a certification label that can prove that its products meet many social and environmental requirements.

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), which owns the "Green Button" (Grü nerKnopf), said that the program is the first certification mark that sets requirements for products and companies and is supervised by the state.

Products such as T-shirts, bed sheets or backpacks must meet 26 strict social and environmental standards, from limits on chemical residues and a total ban on hazardous chemicals to minimum wages and no child or forced labor. In addition, each company that signs the program will be scrutinized against 20 other criteria, including: Is the supplier disclosed? Is there an appropriate complaint mechanism for female sewers about their work and life? Does the company eliminate any shortcomings found?

First, the program will cover the two most important stages of production: sewing and dyeing. In the next few years, the "green button" (GreenButton) will be expanded to other production stages, such as cotton planting. Social and environmental standards will also evolve, such as the promotion of a living wage. An advisory committee of business, scientific and civil representatives is fully supporting the plan.

The label was launched on September 9, 2019, and 27 companies have signed up and successfully passed the review of the new label. Another 26 companies are currently in the process of being submitted for review.

German Development Minister Gerd Müller said: "With the introduction of the GreenButton label, we are setting a high standard and showing that a fair supply chain is possible. After today, no one can deny this. To make the "green button" (GreenButton) special is to subject the entire company to full scrutiny. Just showing some products is not enough. No other tags are currently available for this depth of review.

Companies that have signed up to the program include AldiNord, Aldi Süd, BrandsFashion, Kaufland, Lidl, Melawear and ReweGroup. Those under scrutiny include HugoBoss, OttoGroup and some small businesses, such as Socks4Fun.

(Source: Jinqiao Textile Network)

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