The Econogy Check makes exhibitors’ sustainability engagement visible at our international textile events.
Exhibitors can participate in the Econogy Check based on defined criteria. The Econogy Finder and the Econogy Icon help visitors identify exhibitors that have successfully completed the Check for the respective event. On this page, you will find the most important information on criteria supporting documentation and the review process.
What is the Econogy Finder?
The Econogy Finder provides an overview of exhibitors that have successfully completed the Econogy Check for the respective event. It helps visitors find these exhibitors and learn more about the information they provide and their activities related to sustainability.
What is the Econogy Check?
Successfully completing the Econogy Check qualifies exhibitors for inclusion in the Econogy Finder. As part of the Check, submitted information and supporting documentation are reviewed against defined criteria in the areas of Sustainable Supply Chain, Materials & Processes, and Strategy & Innovation.
What does the Econogy Icon signify?
The Econogy Icon identifies exhibitors that have successfully completed the Econogy Check for the respective event. The Econogy Check is a plausibility check based on the information and supporting documentation submitted by the companies.
The Econogy Icon does not constitute a sustainability label, certification, legally recognized third-party verification or proof of recognized outstanding environmental performance within the meaning of the German Act Against Unfair Competition (UWG). It solely confirms that the exhibitor has successfully completed the Econogy Check in accordance with the defined criteria.
The Econogy Icon is intended as a means of orientation in business-to-business (B2B) transactions. Its use for environmental or sustainability claims directed at consumers is not covered by this purpose and must be separately assessed by the respective exhibitor for legal compliance.
How may the Econogy Icon be used?
The Econogy Icon is intended for communication in connection with the respective event and in a B2B context. It must not be used in a way that creates the impression of a sustainability label, certification or comprehensive assessment of the environmental performance of the company or its products.
The exhibitor is responsible for the legally compliant use of the Icon and for its own environmental and sustainability claims. This applies in particular to communication directed at consumers.
What are the benefits of the Econogy Finder?
Visitors can use the Econogy Finder online and the Econogy Icon on site for orientation. This allows them to identify which exhibitors have successfully completed the Econogy Check for the respective event.
How does an exhibitor qualify for the Econogy Finder?
Exhibitors wishing to be included in the Econogy Finder complete the Econogy Check. Information and supporting documentation relating to defined criteria in the three areas of Sustainable Supply Chain, Materials & Processes, and Strategy & Innovation are submitted and reviewed. Successful completion of the Econogy Check qualifies the exhibitor for inclusion in the Econogy Finder for the respective event.
What requirements must be met for the Econogy Check?
The Econogy Check considers defined criteria in the following three areas:
- Sustainable Supply Chain
- Materials & Processes
- Strategy & Innovation
Companies, institutions and individuals wishing to be included in the Econogy Finder must meet at least one defined criterion in each of at least two of the three areas. Appropriate supporting documentation must be submitted, such as valid certificates, memberships or other evidence recognized within the framework of the Econogy Check.
For the Econogy Check, existing standards, certificates and related supporting documentation from the areas of textiles, environment and social responsibility are taken into account. In addition, exhibitors can provide information on their engagement with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Which criteria are reviewed in the Econogy Check in the areas of Sustainable Supply Chain, Materials & Processes, and Strategy & Innovation?
Sustainable Supply Chain
- The company provides evidence of compliance with recognized standards or initiatives relating to social justice in the supply chain.
- The company designs the supply chain to be transparent and traceable.
- The company issues an annual sustainability report or publishes an external progress report based on international reporting standards.
Materials & Processes
- The company uses materials such as certified organic materials, natural or synthetic materials with lower environmental impacts, or recycled materials.
- The company provides evidence of the application of processes that comply with environmental standards recognized within the Econogy Check.
Strategy & Innovation
- The company follows an overall sustainability strategy and commits to one or more of the 17 SDGs.
- The company develops innovations related to sustainability.
- The company carries out circularity projects or develops circular products.
- The company has a climate strategy in place.
The company follows a water saving strategy.
Good to know
For the sustainable supply chain, the company can provide corresponding evidence in the form of international standards and certificates.
For materials and processes, international standards and certificates have to be provided whenever possible. There are some innovative materials that are not being certified yet. Examples are fabrics made of banana or pineapple fibres etc.
Strategy and Innovation is an open format where companies can freely present their various strategies, add reports, give examples of innovative projects and show their commitment in regard to sustainability. The disclosures must be accompanied by appropriate evidence e.g., reports, analyses, certificates or the like. We can only waive this requirement in cases involving approaches for which no recognised certification is currently available or applicable.
How is the information submitted for the Econogy Check reviewed?
The Econogy Check is a plausibility check based on the information and supporting documentation submitted by the companies. On-site verification or company visits are not part of the regular review process. Spot checks may be carried out at the events.
For our Econogy Check, we work with external sustainability experts. We currently cooperate with CSI Consulting Service International, an international network of sustainability consultants with extensive experience in the textile supply chain.
The respective exhibitor is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information and supporting documentation submitted. Messe Frankfurt assumes no responsibility for the information provided by the exhibitor.
What happens if an exhibitor does not pass the Econogy Check?
Companies that do not pass the Econogy Check for an event for the first time have the option of submitting further evidence depending on the objections of our sustainability jury. If these are not sufficient, the company can still exhibit at the relevant event and, if necessary, undergo the Check again at the follow-up event and when expanding its sustainability activities.
Contact
For further information contact: info.texpertise@messefrankfurt.com