The Partnership

The Partnership for Sustainable Textiles is a multi-stakeholder initiative with members from the private sector (companies and associations), trade unions, non-governmental organisations, standard organisations and the German Federal Government. Together, they are committed to a social, ecological and corruption-free textile and clothing industry. In order to achieve its goals, the Textiles Partnership places particular emphasis on the implementation of corporate due diligence obligations in Germany, Europe and worldwide. Here you will find further information on the Textiles Partnership.

In light of the complex global challenges facing the textile and garment industry, real change requires the participation of all stakeholders. As a multi-stakeholder initiative, the Textiles Partnership therefore brings together companies in the textile and garment industry and trade with other actors who are active on the subject of sustainable textiles – including associations, non-governmental organisations, trade unions and standard organisations. The German Federal Government is represented by three Federal Ministries. In addition, scientific institutions or federal authorities can become advisory members. Further information on the membership

Companies need to analyse and mitigate social, environmental and corruption risks in their supply chains. Because certain risks occur particularly frequently in the textile and clothing industry, they reflect the topics on which the members of the Textiles Partnership work together. The eleven sector risks include child and forced labour, gender-based violence, wages, the use of chemicals, environmental and climate protection. In addition, the Partnership members address overarching issues such as supply chain transparency, grievance mechanisms, circular economy, natural and man-made fibres. On this page you will find information on sector risks, due diligence, SDGs and other issuesthat the Partnership and its members deal with with varying degrees of intensity.

No membership fees are charged for a membership in the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles. Costs may arise for assessment meetings as part of the Review Process as well as for participation in Partnership initiatives and projects in production countries.

The Textiles Partnership and the Green Button are based on the same fundamental international agreements of the UN on compliance with human and workers' rights, environmental protection and the prevention of corruption, as well as on corresponding EU guidelines and initiatives and on the recommendations of the OECD. Both strive for the consistent implementation of human rights and ecological due diligence obligations. While the Textiles Partnership pursues this goal as a multi-stakeholder initiative with learning, dialogue and reporting formats, information, joint measures in production countries and a broad international cooperation network, the Green Button is a state meta-label for which companies must fulfil. Through active membership in the Partnership, companies can prepare for possible certification with the Green Button. Further information on the Green Button website and on other (textile) certifications and labels on Siegelklarheit.

As the first point of contact for all companies that want to assume their ecological and human rights responsibility throughout the entire supply chain, the Textiles Partnership offers a broad network and support. Among other things, it is a platform for learning and dialogue: the members network within and with the other stakeholder groups. They share their knowledge and work together on best practices, for example in webinars and workshops, expert and working groups as well as with the help of tools and support materials. In addition, the members join forces in Partnership initiatives and projects and, thus achieve improvements and progress in the producing countries that would hardly be possible on their own.

In 2021, the German Federal Government passed the Supply Chain Care Obligations Act (LkSG). The law lays down requirements for the due diligence obligations of companies. The Textiles Partnership is also committed to the implementation of due diligence obligations and is guided by international standards. With the Review Process, the Textiles Partnership has developed an implementation framework and a reporting format for corporate due diligence. Companies in the Textiles Partnership, for example, are therefore familiar with the systematic analysis of their risks and are therefore well prepared for the requirements of the law. However, a membership in the Textiles Partnership and participation in the Review Process are not proof of compliance with the legal requirements. On the homepage of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development you will find further information on the Supply Chain Act.