The TÜV Rheinland Durability Mark
Textile and footwear products built to last. Tested. Verified. Trusted.
Responding to regulatory change and market demand
Following the ban on the destruction of unsold consumer products, which entered into force on 19 July under the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), and against the backdrop of increasing durability expectations across French and wider European markets, TÜV Rheinland is proactively addressing these evolving requirements with its new Durability Mark.
This move goes beyond regulatory compliance alone — it reflects a broader shift in consumer attitudes, as brands and buyers move away from disposable fashion and toward products designed for longer life and greater resilience.
The second-hand market in the EU has already reached record highs — a clear signal that durability is no longer optional, but expected.
Rigorous, independent test criteria.
The TÜV Rheinland Durability Mark confirms that a product has undergone independent testing against defined quality and durability criteria.
For textiles and apparel:
- Appearance after repeated domestic washing and drying
- Dimensional stability (shrinkage)
- Seam strength
- Colour fastness
- ...among many other parameters depending on the product category
For footwear:
- Colour fastness
- Sole bonding
- Whole-shoe flexing
- Outsole wear resistance
- ...among many other parameters depending on the product category
Together, these criteria help demonstrate that certified products maintain their quality, functionality and appearance over time.
Two levels of assurance.
Durability Mark — Certified
Full independent certification against TÜV Rheinland durability criteria. For brands seeking the highest level of verified quality assurance.
Durability Mark — Verified
Independent verification of durability performance. For Durable Textile and Durable Footwear — a flexible route to demonstrating durability commitment.
Verifiable trust, across the value chain
From durability and Green Product certification to recyclability, compostability, and biobased and recycled content — TÜV Rheinland help make sustainability claims credible and measurable. Together with ZDHC-approved services, these solutions support trust and transparency across the value chain.
Meet us at Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris | Avantex
From 31 August to 2 September 2026
Contact an expert
Our experts can guide you through certification and help you showcase your commitment to durability.
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