OEKO-TEX STeP Code of Conduct EN
OEKO-TEX STeP Code of Conduct EN
OEKO-TEX® STeP
Edition 01.2023
OEKO-TEX® OEKO-TEX Service GmbH
International Association for Research and Testing in Genferstrasse 23, CH-8002 Zurich
the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology +41 44 501 26 00
Internationale Gemeinschaft für Forschung und Prüfung www.oeko-tex.com
auf dem Gebiet der Textil- und Lederökologie
Our mission
We share with our partners and clients the common goal of and commitment to high social, ethical and
environmental standards.
We declare our strict adherence to the International Bill of Human Rights, the core ILO labour standards and
environmental protection.
Corporate governance
We understand corporate governance as the legal and factual framework in the management and monitoring of our
business for the benefit of all of our relevant stakeholders.
We, therefore, subscribe to business practices governed by integrity, impartiality, honesty, fair dealing, reliability,
confidentiality and full compliance with all legal requirements.
We shall actively work against all forms of corruption, strive for competition on equal terms and promote social and
environmental responsibility in our value chain. To this effect, we use our leverage so that this Code of Conduct
influences our value chain. We expect the same standards from our clients and partners that we adhere to.
Human Rights
uman rights are universal and apply to every individual. They state that all humans, without distinction of any kind,are born
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free and equal in dignity and rights. Specifically, we respect the right of freedom of thought, expression and
association.
Labour
Employees are at the core of the company and the companies’ most important asset. Each employee shall be given
opportunities for professional and personal development based on their abilities, for the benefit of both the company and
the individual.
We are an equal workplace that is free from any kind of discrimination, harassment or abuse. We are a place of
employment where all people of different ethnic backgrounds, different genders, ages and professions have the same
opportunities to develop. We create a safe working environment, where the right to favorable conditions at work, as well as
the right to rest and limitation of working hours are strictly adhered to.
To that effect, we respect the core ILO labour standards. The recognition of the right to join unions, the right to collective
bargaining, the importance of living wages, as well as gender-equality in wages for work of equal value, are, among many
others, important standards to adhere to. We are, moreover, strictly against child labour, forced labour and excessive
overtime.
We consider it our duty, to create an atmosphere in all our fields of activity to facilitate the development and use of
environmentally friendly technologies and products. Furthermore, we take measures regarding the efficient use of
resources and progressing towards green chemistry. In respect of our environmental footprint, we dispose of waste
responsibly and support internationally agreed upon approaches to combat environmental challenges.
Society
We, as a business, understand that we play an important role in society. Not only are we aware of our positive
externalities, like creating jobs and therefore helping to build communities – we are also aware of our negative externalities.
Consequently, we do everything possible to maximize the positive and to minimize the negative externalities.
According to the signed Code of Conduct you are obliged to comply with the stated OEKO-TEX® STeP core requirements, national and local legal
requirements, as well as the consequent observance of conditions according to OEKO-TEX® STeP, which are valid for your facility only.