Ever noticed the "OEKO-TEX" label on your clothing? But what does it mean, and why should you care?
What is OEKO-TEX?
OEKO-TEX is a trademark of the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology. In simple terms, it certifies that textile products and leather articles are safe and free from harmful substances. It also attests to the social and environmental conditions in production facilities.
A Brief History
Established in 1992, OEKO-TEX ensures textiles are safe for human health through rigorous laboratory tests. Headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, the association consists of 17 independent testing institutes in Europe and Japan, with 97 offices in over 70 countries. Over 100 countries sell OEKO-TEX certified products.
OEKO-TEX Standards
1. Standard 100
- This globally recognized label ensures textiles are tested for harmful substances. It sets the benchmark for textile safety, from yarn to finished product.
- There are four product classes:
* Product Class 1- Products for babies and infants (up to 36 months), such as diapers. This product class has the strictest requirements and limit values.
* Product class 2 - Products with direct skin contact (e.g., bed linens)
*Product class 3 - Products without direct skin contact (e.g., jackets)
* Product class 4 - Home textiles and other decoration materials (e.g., curtains)
2. STeP (Sustainable Textile and Leather Production)
- This certification, valid for three years, is for production facilities, ensuring sustainable practices and social responsibility.
3. Made in Green
- This label indicates that the product is sustainably made in responsible workplaces. It includes product IDs and QR codes for tracing production. The label is valid for one year.
4. Organic Cotton
- This certification verifies textiles are made from at least 70% organic cotton, free from GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and harmful substances. It ensures full coverage of the chain of custody and strict adherence to environmental regulations, as it offers verification from farm to product. For effective protection, there are four product classes, similar to those in OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
5. Leather Standard
- This label applies to leather products, ensuring they are tested for harmful substances. There are four product classes similar to those in OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
An item made of leather and bearing this label means it is safe to use as it has been scientifically tested for harmful substances (e.g., shoes, clothes, accessories, sofas).
6. Detox to Zero
- Based on Greenpeace’s 2011 Detox campaign, this certification aims to exclude hazardous chemicals from textile production. It offers a comprehensive verification and reporting system for sustainable textile practices.
7. Responsible Business
- This certification helps companies meet supply chain due diligence requirements, ensuring the protection of human rights and the environment.
8. Eco Passport
- This certification system ensures chemicals used in textile and leather production are environmentally friendly. It supports the creation of safer, cleaner products.
Why It Matters
When you see an OEKO-TEX label, you can trust that the product is safe, sustainable, and responsibly produced. It's a mark of quality and safety recognized globally. A small tag with a big promise: your health and the planet's well-being.
*This blog post was created using information from Wikipedia and OEKO-TEX factsheets.*