Heimtextil celebrated its 50th anniversary with a clear focus on sustainability. This year saw increase in sustainable producers with 259 exhibitors listed in Green Directory, a separate exhibitor directory for sustainable producers. Testex and OETI, who were present at Oeko-tex stand, saw many of their customers promoting Made in Green by Oeko-tex products. Customers promoting the Made in Green by Oeko-tex products included Huafang of China, Vossen of Austria, and Weseta of Switzerland.
Heimtextil’s effort to promote the industry’s commitment to sustainability offered green pioneers a platform which included the ‘Green Village’, ‘Trend Spaces’ and a dedicated sustainability area. The United Nations was also at Heimtextil for the first time to present its Sustainable Development Goals.
Visitors to the Oeko-tex stand came from across the globe, with almost all enquiries from brands and retailers being for Made in Green by Oeko-tex. Exhibitors had questions about STeP by Oeko-tex, and the journey towards achieving the Made in Green label. Testex was impressed by the progress that has been made towards sustainability since last year’s event. Not only are many big names placing value on textiles made of certified materials, but also distingushing between greenwashing and genuine sustainability measures is becoming increasingly easier. Testex is a globally operating, independent Swiss testing and certification organisation with focus on textile and leather testing.
