Germany has plans for an environment friendly and fair textile economy. Some of the benchmarks are social standards and the avoidance of toxic chemicals. To begin with, 50 per cent of manufactured textiles have to be sustainable as of 2020, from raw material to manufacture and to the final product. The government will assist firms to fulfill human rights in due diligence and support incentives to invest in sustainable production of textiles.

Concrete enhancements will be seen along the textile supply chain from sustainable water management in cotton fields to fire protection measures in textile mills to fair compensation for sewers. A long history of manufacturing, innovation and flexibility has made the textile and clothing industry in Germany one of the most important sectors in the country.

Textiles and clothing are the second largest consumer goods market after the food and beverage industry. Germany is a major player in foreign trade with textiles and clothing. The country is the fourth largest exporter of textiles and clothing worldwide. The country is also the second largest textile importer after the United States and especially in the clothing segment imports a vast majority of apparel products, thus offering an appealing opportunity for foreign companies.