#Sustainability

2019-09-19

Minister Gerd Müller introduces the "Green Button", a publicly endorsed textile label

German Development Minister Gerd Müller has introduced the Green Button, a publicly endorsed textile certification mark. For the launch, 27 companies are already signed up. They have successfully passed the demanding scrutiny for the new textile label. Another 26 companies are currently going through the process of scrutiny.

Minister Müller: "Globalisation first began with the textiles industry in the 19th century. Now it is time for fair globalisation to begin there, too. With the Green Button label we are setting a high standard and we are showing that fair supply chains are possible. After today no one will be able to deny that any more. All the companies that have signed up to the new certification are proof."

Products like T-shirts, bed sheets or backpacks have to meet 26 demanding social and environmental standards – from limits for chemical residues and a total ban on dangerous chemicals to minimum wages and no child or forced labour. In addition, the company itself is scrutinised based on 20 other criteria: Does it disclose its suppliers? Do seamstresses have recourse to complaints mechanisms where they work and live? Does the company eradicate any shortcomings that are found?

Minister Müller: "That is what makes the Green Button special: the entire company is scrutinised. It is not enough for it to have a few products ‘for show'. No other label applies this depth of scrutiny."

To start with, the Green Button will cover the two most important production stages: "sewing" and "dyeing". All of the 100 billion garments produced worldwide go through these stages. There are 75 million people employed in carrying out these processes. And this is what the workers were doing at the Rana Plaza textile factory which collapsed.

Over the next few years the Green Button will be expanded to cover other stages of production, such as cotton growing. The social and environmental criteria will also be continuously developed, for example towards promoting living wages. An advisory board with representatives from business, science and civil society is providing support.

Minister Müller: "Fair fashion is a huge trend right now. Seventy-five per cent of consumers say that fair clothing is important to them. Until now, however, there was a lack of orientation. The Green Button will change that. We will now be able to make a contribution to fair globalisation with our every purchase, all the while ensuring that neither people nor nature are exploited for our consumption choices. It will be a contribution for human compassion and humanity."

Presentation of the publicy endorsed textile label "Green Button" with (from left to right) Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, Chairman of the Council of the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD), Thomas Linemayr, Chairman of the Management Board of Tchibo GmbH, Antje von Dewitz, Managing Director of VAUDE Sport GmbH & Co. KG and Federal Development Minister Gerd MüllerCopyright© Thomas Köhler/photothek.net

The following companies have already signed up:

The 27 companies already signed up to the Green Button include start-ups, medium-sized companies, recognised sustainability pioneers and big brands: 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 and 3 Freunde.

Another 26 companies are currently going through the scrutiny process; they include Hugo Boss, the Otto Group and also some smaller businesses such as Socks4Fun.

For further information (in German) about the Green Button visit:

https://www.gruener-knopf.de

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Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Hohenstein publishes 2025 Sustainability Report

The testing and research service provider Hohenstein has published its latest sustainability report, outlining key progress and strategic initiatives. The report focuses on ambitious CO₂ reduction targets, the company’s new mission statement and the systematic expansion of sustainable services for customers worldwide.

Global Standard gGmbH launches second public consultation for GRTS Draft 2 for the textile industry (1–30 April 2026)

Global Standard gGmbH is pleased to announce the release of Draft 2 of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) for its second public consultation. The consultation will be open from 1 April 2026 to 30 April 2026, inviting stakeholders across the textile and apparel value chain to provide input and contribute to the further development of this new Standard.

Textile Exchange publishes cotton Life Cycle Assessment study to strengthen impact data

Textile Exchange has published the first in a series of seven Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies designed to improve the quality and robustness of environmental impact data for raw material production across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. The first LCA study focuses on cotton and addresses critical data gaps and methodology variability through new high-quality data across key producing countries. The study includes organic, regenerative, recycled, and country averages for conventional cotton production systems, providing a clearer picture of the associated environmental impact.

Speed and connectivity: Techtextil and Texprocess provided market-ready solutions for industries under pressure

With more than 36,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from a total of 112 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 demonstrated how innovation comes into industrial use. The convergence of research, industry and application proved to be a breeding ground for new material solutions, manufacturing and processing technologies. Natural fibres, performance apparel, connected systems and AI-driven processing technologies emerged as key growth and future markets.

Italian Textile Machinery heads to Geneva for Index 2026

An important delegation of Italian companies will exhibit at the upcoming INDEX 2026, the world’s leading event for the nonwovens sector, taking place from May 19 to 22 in Geneva (Switzerland). Numerous Italian exhibitors will be present within the Italy Pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT, an exhibition area of over 140 square meters dedicated to the latest innovations proposed by the Italian industry.