General Information

Migros, the largest Retailer in Switzerland, and eco-tex joined together in 1995 with the aim of optimising the apparel segment according to specially defined ecological criteria. Every article which complies to the criteria specified by Migros is given the eco-label.

Based on the ‚Begin of Pipe Principle‘, all relevant information about the origin and production of the product is documented and the compliance with the Migros eco-criteria is checked. In 2002, Migros sold approximately 40 million items of clothing, manufactured according to eco-criteria by 150 suppliers with 15000 production steps around the world.

Eco-Monitoring, in the form of a product audit, is employed as a means of identifying and resolving risks and weak points in the production chain. As an independent organization, eco-tex follows the origin of the clothing through all areas of the manufacturing process from the finished product right back to the fibre - and checks if the Migros eco-criteria are being conformed.

Eco-Monitoring is based on years of experienced auditing of all the steps involved. Having direct contact with the production steps allows us to work entirely with first-hand information. If the Migros criteria are complied with, the clothing can receive an eco-label.

Social Monitoring (developed by eco-tex) assures compliance with social, health & safety requirements by pre-assessment, auditing, evaluation and installation of measures to achieve continuous qualitative improvements. The social monitoring is a practical and pragmatic solution to all interested business parties in the supply chain (suppliers, buyers, retailers etc) in demonstrating the compliance to entrusted requirements of social responsibilities and Codes of Conduct on a sustainable basis with continuous improvements.

In order to have an influence on socially acceptable production conditions in producing countries, Migros has developed its Code of Conduct for non-food sectors. The Code of Conduct intends to maintain existing business relationship with its suppliers globally. Migros Code of Conduct is being implemented through eco-tex Social Monitoring which helps the manufacturing organizations in optimizing ethically responsible production on continuous basis.