OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Issuing Organization:
International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology (OEKO-TEX)
Label purpose:
The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification is designed to ensure the safety of textiles and garments for human use. It aims to guarantee that certified products are free from harmful levels of more than 100 substances believed to be hazardous to health, including pesticides, heavy metals, and allergenic dyes.
Certification Criteria:
To be certified, textiles must be tested and proven to be free from harmful levels of toxic substances. This includes a broad range of substances, both regulated and unregulated, that could pose a risk to human health. The criteria are globally standardized but are also regularly updated to respond to new scientific knowledge and regulatory requirements.
Geographical Coverage:
To be certified, textiles must be tested and proven to be free from harmful levels of toxic substances. This includes a broad range of substances, both regulated and unregulated, that could pose a risk to human health. The criteria are globally standardized but are also regularly updated to respond to new scientific knowledge and regulatory requirements.
Target Industries/Segments:
The certification covers a wide range of textile products at all stages of production, including raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods. This includes everything from threads and fabrics to ready-to-use articles like clothing, home textiles, and decorative materials.
Certification Process:
The process involves submitting product samples to an authorized OEKO-TEX institute for laboratory testing and evaluation against the Standard 100 criteria. If the products meet the necessary requirements, the manufacturer is granted certification. The testing process is comprehensive, considering numerous regulated and non-regulated substances which may be harmful to human health.
Certificate Validity:
The certification is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. This involves re-testing of the product samples to ensure continued compliance with the current standards and regulations, which may be updated to reflect new scientific findings or changes in regulatory landscapes.
Benefits for Consumers/Producers:
For consumers, the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label offers reassurance that the textile products they purchase are safe and free from harmful substances, contributing to their well-being and health. For producers, achieving the certification can enhance product credibility, open access to new markets, and demonstrate a commitment to product safety and environmental responsibility.
Sustainability Impact:
While primarily focused on human health, the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification indirectly promotes environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of safer chemicals and production processes in the textile industry. It helps to reduce the release of harmful substances into the environment, contributing to the protection of ecosystems and reducing the impact of the textile industry on the planet.
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