BERLIN. The federal government did that a guide issued for the purchase of textiles for the federal government. Berlin’s stated goal is to ensure “sustainable textile sourcing”. The traffic light government has now committed to purchasing at least 50 percent of all textiles in accordance with the requirements of the guidelines by 2026.
Especially the supply chain law, which has been in effect since the beginning of this year, plays a major role in the 106-page guide. Climate policy considerations should also be included in the purchasing process in the future. The federal government hopes to purchase 50 percent of all textiles in accordance with the guidelines to “improve labor conditions in the supply chain, prevent discrimination, forced and child labor, support environmentally sound practices and minimize ecological risks.”
To clarify the criteria according to which wholesalers of work clothes for police officers and soldiers, as well as hospital bed linen or canteen tablecloths, will receive government contracts in the future, Berlin has introduced a points system. The offer price and the quality of the goods are the most important factors at 30 percent each, followed by ecological and social aspects at 20 percent each.
To avoid any ambiguity, the federal government also extensively defines what it means by the textile in question. Mattresses, for example, are “products that serve as a basis for sleeping or resting, consisting of a cover made of sturdy material filled with filling material and placed on a bed frame.” The government defines “towels and washcloths” as towels and washcloths.
Equal opportunities officials should be involved in this
In the future, Ampel also wants to know “whether, for example, there are gender-specific aspects in textile design, where the requirements of different groups of people differ”. To ensure that textile retailers can guarantee this, Berlin advises them “to engage equal opportunities officers”.
The Ministry of Development did not comment on how prices for state textiles will develop as a result of the new requirements. On Tuesday, Minister of Development Cooperation Svenja Schulze (SPD) expressed confidence in the usefulness of the guidelines. “Responsible shopping helps improve the lives of millions of people worldwide,” said the Social Democrat. (st)