Green Button (Grüner Knopf): What this certification means

The Green Button (Grüner Knopf) is the German government's certification for textiles produced under socially and environmentally responsible conditions. Introduced in 2019 by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), it differs from many textile labels by assessing not only the product but also the company's due diligence practices.

To carry the Green Button label, a textile must meet defined product requirements while the company must demonstrate that it systematically addresses human rights and environmental risks within its supply chain. This dual approach makes the certification distinctive among textile standards.

Certified products must comply with recognised environmental and social product standards such as GOTS, Fairtrade Cotton or OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN where these fulfil the Green Button requirements.
Companies must demonstrate effective human rights and environmental due diligence throughout their supply chains.
Assessments include governance, risk management, grievance mechanisms and continuous improvement processes.
The criteria are based on internationally recognised frameworks including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines.
Independent approved certification bodies verify both the product and company requirements.
The standard is updated regularly to reflect evolving legislation and best practices.