Why This Change Is Being Introduced
While chips, pellets, and masterbatches are essential inputs in textile manufacturing, they are not textiles themselves. Historically, some of these materials were certified under OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, a scheme primarily designed to assess finished or semi-finished textile products.
To better reflect the true nature of these materials, OEKO-TEX® has aligned certification requirements with the appropriate evaluation framework. OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT is specifically developed for chemical products, formulations, and input materials used in textile and leather production. As a result, it provides a more suitable and technically precise assessment.
What This Means for Existing Certifications
Companies currently holding OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certificates for non-textile materials such as chips, pellets, or masterbatches should note that:
- These certificates will no longer be renewed under OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100
- Upon renewal, the materials must instead be certified under OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT
- The OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT assessment will evaluate chemical composition, compliance, and safety according to criteria designed specifically for input materials
This transition ensures continuity of certification while improving the quality and relevance of the testing process.
Advantages of Certification Under OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT
More Precise Chemical Testing
ECO PASSPORT focuses on chemical inputs rather than finished products, enabling a deeper and more accurate evaluation of substances, formulations, and residuals.
Increased Transparency
The certification process supports clearer documentation and disclosure, making it easier for downstream partners to understand chemical compliance and risks
Higher Safety and Compliance Standards
By applying criteria tailored to chemical products, OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT strengthens regulatory alignment, risk management, and supply chain safety.
Supporting a Safer and More Sustainable Supply Chain
This certification update reflects OEKO-TEX®’s ongoing commitment to responsible production and continuous improvement. By applying the right testing standard to the right type of material, the industry moves closer to a more reliable, transparent, and sustainable supply chain.
For manufacturers and suppliers of non-textile input materials, transitioning to OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT is not just a compliance requirement, it is an opportunity to demonstrate chemical responsibility and strengthen trust with partners and customers.
How can companies smoothly transition from OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 to OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT?
To ensure a smooth transition, companies should:
- Prepare the product formulation by identifying all chemical ingredients and their percentage concentrations
- Compile this information in the Product Information Dossier (PID), which is the official tool used to declare product formulations during the ECO PASSPORT certification process
- Review documentation early to avoid delays during assessment and renewal
Proper preparation of the PID is a key step in ensuring an efficient and successful certification process.
Can recycled chips, pellets, masterbatches, and equivalent products be certified?
Yes. Recycled materials can be certified under OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT. In addition to standard documentation, companies must submit detailed information on:
- The source of recycled materials (e.g. post-consumer PET bottles)
- The percentage of recycled content
- The type of recycling process used (mechanical or chemical recycling)
This information is essential for a complete and transparent chemical assessment.
How can companies achieve ZDHC Conformance Level 2 or 3 during the transition?
To achieve ZDHC Conformance Level 2 or 3, additional criteria will be assessed as part of an OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT on-site visit.
- These criteria go beyond document review and include process and management evaluations
- Following the initial assessment, the standard three-year on-site visit cycle will be implemented
How does this change benefit brands and manufacturers?
The transition strengthens chemical safety, regulatory compliance, and transparency, helping brands gain confidence in their supply chains while enabling manufacturers to demonstrate responsible and forward-looking chemical management.