What is OEKO-TEX and Why Should it Matter to You?

In today’s world, consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental and health impacts of their choices, including the products they purchase. This shift in consumer behavior has led to a growing demand for sustainable and responsibly produced goods. You might be curious about the meaning of Oeko-Tex certification if you recently bought new bedding and why it would matter to you.

However, navigating through the myriad of labels and certifications can be overwhelming for consumers. That’s where OEKO-TEX comes in. OEKO-TEX is a trusted and recognized label that certifies textile products and leather articles, ensuring they are safe and environmentally friendly. In this article, we will explore what OEKO-TEX is, the different certifications it offers, and why it should matter to you.

What is OEKO-TEX?

OEKO-TEX is an international association that researches and tests textile and leather products for their ecological and human-ecological safety. The association was founded in 1992 at Zurich, Switzerland and includes 18 neutral test and research institutes in Europe and Japan, with contact offices in over 70 countries worldwide. Today. Oeko-Tex operates in over 40 different countries across the globe.

OEKO-TEX issues various product-related labels and certifications, including the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX, MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX, Leather Standard by OEKO-TEX, and more. These labels and certifications assure consumers that the products have undergone rigorous testing and meet stringent criteria for harmful substances, sustainability, and social responsibility.

STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX

The STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX is one of the most widely recognized labels for textile safety. This certification ensures that every component of the product, from the fabric to the thread and accessories, has been rigorously tested against a list of up to 1,000 harmful substances. It verifies that the product is free from harmful substances that can potentially harm human health through breathing, skin contact, and saliva. The STANDARD 100 label is trusted worldwide and has been the go-to label for textile safety since 1992.

Benefits of OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certificate

The OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certificate offers a variety of benefits for businesses in the textile industry:

• Compliance with Global Regulations: Certification ensures adherence to leading international regulations including REACH (annexes XVII and XIV), CPSIA and the ECHA-SVHC candidate list.
• Simplified Sourcing: Gain access to a network of over 25,000 certified companies worldwide, streamlining your search for safe chemicals, materials, and business partners throughout the textile production chain.
• Cost-Effective Testing: The modular system allows for cost distribution across production stages. If all components are already STANDARD 100 certified, final product testing is waived, reducing certification expenses.

Tested for Toxic Chemicals

One of the key features of the STANDARD 100 certification is its comprehensive testing for toxic chemicals. The certified products are tested for substances that are banned or regulated by law, as well as substances that are known to be harmful to health or environmentally relevant but not yet subject to any regulation.

The testing takes into account important legal regulations, requirements of the European Chemicals Regulation (REACh), and the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). Additionally, the products are tested for emissions of volatile chemicals and are subjected to an olfactory test to ensure they do not emit any unpleasant odors.

Trusted Worldwide

When it comes to textile safety, the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX label is recognized and trusted worldwide. With over 10,000 manufacturers in almost 100 countries participating in the certification process, the label has a significant prevalence. According to consumer surveys, the label has a high brand recognition level, with over 46% recognition in Germany and an average recognition level of 42% in seven European countries. This widespread trust and recognition make the STANDARD 100 label a reliable indicator of the safety and quality of textile products.

Consistently Updated

To stay ahead of changes in materials, technologies, and scientific data, OEKO-TEX regularly updates its strict standards and testing methods. The association takes into account new legal regulations, expert assessments, and the latest scientific research to ensure that the certification criteria remain relevant and effective. This commitment to staying up-to-date with industry advancements demonstrates OEKO-TEX’s dedication to providing consumers with the most reliable and accurate information regarding the safety of textile products.

MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX

In addition to the STANDARD 100 certification, OEKO-TEX offers the MADE IN GREEN certification. This label is awarded to products that have been tested for harmful substances and are made in environmentally friendly facilities. The MADE IN GREEN certification goes beyond product safety and also considers the social responsibility of the supply chain. Suppliers in a MADE IN GREEN certified supply chain must take actions to protect workers, ensure safe working conditions, and strengthen healthy labour practices.

Safe for People and the Planet

The MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX label gives consumers confidence that the product they are purchasing has been tested for harmful substances and is safe for both people and the planet. By choosing products with this label, consumers can be assured that they are making a responsible and sustainable choice. The label provides transparency and accountability, ensuring that the product has been produced in environmentally friendly facilities that prioritize the well-being of workers and the protection of the environment.

Transparent Traceability

Each MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX certified product can be traced using a unique product ID. This traceability feature provides consumers with insight into how and where the product was made. By scanning the QR code or entering the product ID on the MADE IN GREEN website, consumers can access information about the countries involved in the manufacturing process, as well as the specific production stages and facilities. This transparency allows consumers to make informed choices and support brands that align with their values.

Eco Passport by OEKO-TEX

In addition to the STANDARD 100 and MADE IN GREEN certifications, OEKO-TEX also offers the Eco Passport certification. This certification is specifically for textile chemicals used in production. The Eco Passport label ensures that the chemicals used in textile production meet the requirements for sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

The certification process involves screening the manufacturer’s disclosures about product ingredients and verifying compliance with restricted substance lists and manufacturing standards. By choosing products with the Eco Passport label, consumers can be confident that the textiles they purchase have been produced using chemicals that are safe for both human health and the environment.

Why Try Innotransfer’s OEKO-TEX Certified Transfers

Innotransfer is an OEKO-TEX-certified heat transfer printing manufacturer. This means all of our textile transfers, including roll transfers, unitary transfers, resin roll transfers, and offset transfers are held to the highest standard when it comes to the safety of chemicals used.

The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification guarantees Innotransfer’s transfers are free from harmful substances and safe for even delicate skin. This makes Innotransfer’s transfers ideal for use in baby clothes, children’s clothes, hospital apparel, and organic textiles where safety is paramount.

When selecting a heat transfer supplier, look for the OEKO-TEX label. For total peace of mind, choose Innotransfer’s OEKO-TEX-certified transfers that are rigorously tested and certified for ecological and healthy textile production. This ensures top-quality transfers ideal for sensitive skin and environments.

Conclusion

In a world where consumers are increasingly concerned about the safety and sustainability of the products they purchase, OEKO-TEX provides a trusted solution. The STANDARD 100, MADE IN GREEN, and Eco Passport certifications offered by OEKO-TEX ensure that textile products and leather articles have been rigorously tested for harmful substances, produced in environmentally friendly facilities, and made with sustainable chemicals.

By choosing products with these certifications, consumers can shop responsibly and sustainably, knowing that they are making safer and more sustainable choices. OEKO-TEX’s commitment to transparency, traceability, and consistently updated standards makes it a reliable partner for both consumers and businesses in the textile industry. Make a difference with your purchasing power and choose OEKO-TEX certified products for a safer and more sustainable future.