From February 2016, new criteria for STeP by Oeko-Tex have come into effect. The previous requirements have been expanded to include an additional point on handling sludge from waste water treatment. Sludge must be stored by companies with STeP certification in a way that rules out any ground contamination.

Oeko-Tex recommends that sludge residues of this type always be disposed off by professionals in accordance with environmental protection regulations. There are amendments to further improve employee working conditions. Certified companies in future will have to satisfy statutory regulations relating to a suitable level of maternity protection.

If there are no statutory regulations, companies are encouraged to define their own company guidelines to ensure paid maternity leave. Another addition to the latest STeP standard is that manufacturers of foams and mattresses can now have their production conditions certified in accordance with STeP.

Also new is the need for a plan that clearly highlights all of the areas of the company in which chemicals are supplied, stored, and used. The company facilities must also prove that chemicals are being transported safely and that affected staff are being provided with appropriate training.

STeP by Oeko-Tex makes the sustainability of production facilities throughout the textile value-creation chain visible using a transparent scoring system.

STeP gives brands, retailers, and manufacturers the opportunity to have each area of their company facilities analysed and assessed according to environmental and social criteria by an independent body.

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