RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTION
STeP BY STeP WITH OEKO-TEX®
In 2019, one of our sewing factories in Sri Lanka became the first company in the country to be certified according to STeP by OEKO-TEX® – Sustainable Textile & Leather Production. Since then, all our production units in Sri Lanka and Myanmar have followed suit and received certification.
For Blåkläder, this represents an important milestone in our work to achieve a sustainable textile value chain. Garment production is not only the final step in the “cradle to gate” cycle, but also where all components come together in a process that is both energy- and labour-intensive. To ensure a sustainable supply chain, it is crucial to maintain high standards for health and safety, minimize energy consumption, and choose renewable energy sources for garment production.
The STeP by OEKO-TEX® programme addresses all these aspects and is therefore a truly sustainable certification concept.
Now our shoe factory and all six sewing factories in Sri Lanka and Myanmar are STeP by OEKO-TEX® certified, which confirms that operations are conducted with a high level of environmental performance, social compliance, and good corporate governance (ESG). In addition, our key textile suppliers are also certified according to the STeP programme. Combined, this means that a significant portion of our supply chain is already covered by STeP by OEKO-TEX® compliance, ensuring an environmentally and socially controlled production process with a high level of quality management.
What is STeP by OEKO-TEX® – Sustainable Textile & Leather Production?
An international certification system that establishes requirements for environmentally sustainable production processes, quality control, improved health and safety, and socially responsible working conditions in the textile and leather industry.
The primary focus is on environmental aspects, but STeP distinguishes itself from other certification systems in that the evaluation and review also encompasses social and quality parameters throughout the entire production chain. A management certification that covers the entire ESG spectrum.