Germany Launches "Green Button" Textile Label

The German government has officially launched the "green button" (Gr nerKnopf German, GreenButton English) textile badge, which is a certification badge which can prove that its products meet many social and environmental requirements.

The German Federal Ministry of economic cooperation and development (BMZ), with Gr nerKnopf, said that the plan was the first certification mark specifically designed for products and enterprises and supervised by the state.

Products such as T-shirts, sheets or backpacks must meet 26 stringent social and environmental standards, ranging from chemical residue restrictions and total prohibition of dangerous chemicals to minimum wage and child free labor or forced labor. In addition, each company that signs the plan will conduct a detailed review based on 20 other criteria, including: whether to disclose suppliers? Do women sewing workers have proper complaint mechanism for their work and life? Does the company eliminate any shortcoming of discovery?

First, the plan will cover two of the most important stages of production: sewing and dyeing. In the next few years, "green button" (GreenButton) will expand to other production stages, such as cotton cultivation. Social and environmental standards will also continue to develop, such as promoting living wages. An advisory committee composed of commercial, scientific and civilian representatives is fully supporting the plan.

The logo was launched in September 9, 2019. 27 companies have signed the contract and successfully passed the review of the new label. At present, 26 other companies are undergoing the trial process.

German development minister GerdM ller said: with the launch of the "green button" (GreenButton) label, we are setting a high standard and showing you that a fair supply chain is possible. No one can deny this after today. Let "green button" (GreenButton) become especially the whole company to receive a comprehensive review. Just showing some products is not enough. No other labels are currently applicable to the depth review.

The companies that have signed the plan include AldiNord, AldiS U D, BrandsFashion, Kaufland, Lidl, Melawear and ReweGroup. The companies that are under review include HugoBoss, OttoGroup and some small businesses, such as Socks4Fun.