Human Textile Ecology – An International acceptance standard!

“Oeko-Tex Standard 100”

Oeko-Tex standard 100 is a global testing and accreditation scheme for the screening of harmful substances within consumer textiles and was developed in 1992 by a group of European textile institutes.

It is the dominant consumer focused global player in the textile Eco-labeling field with over 48,000 certificates having been issued world wide since its inception. This equates to over 5,000 manufacturers and over 1 million licensed products.

Who Uses Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and Why ?

Many leading manufacturers and high street retailers choose to work to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, regarding it as the industry benchmark in the field of human ecology, since it provides a comprehensive and fastidiously scrutinized screening scheme, which sets stricter limits than current EC legislation on banned or restricted use substances used in textile manufacture. The scheme also includes substances considered to be harmful but which are yet to be banned by legislation such as certain pesticides.

Examples of other harmful substances screened include:

Banned Carcinogenic Dyestuffs

Allergenic Dyestuffs

Extractable Heavy Metals

Flame Retardants

Formaldehyde

Loose Dye/Colour

Organo-tin Compounds

Phthalates (plasticizers)

Chlorinated Aromatic Compounds

Volatile Organics

Oeko-Tex labeling: Market Advantage

Goods meeting the requirements of the standard are entitled to carry the Oeko-Tex label, which contains a unique code number specific to the product and certificate. Finished products carrying this label, which includes the wording;” Confidence in Textiles – Tested for Harmful Substances”, provide peace of mind to consumers and are becoming increasingly recognised and actively sought by them.

Product Scope for Oeko-Tex Standard 100

Oeko-Tex accreditation can be obtained for raw materials used in textiles such as fibers, yarns and fabrics, as well finished products including garments, baby products, household textiles, upholstery and carpeting.

The Role of Shirley Technologies Ltd within Oeko-Tex

Shirley Technologies Ltd is the exclusively appointed UK laboratory supporting the testing and certification to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100.

The Accreditation Process

Any company wishing to obtain Oeko-Tex certification for its products needs to initially complete an Application Form, which requests details of manufacture including chemicals used in processing. This form can be downloaded directly from the Oeko-Tex web site (see link below) or can be obtained by contacting us.

The returned, completed form is then assessed by us to determine the cost, samples required from the client and the timescale for the full procedure including the issuing of an annual certificate.

The client pays an annual Certification and License fee and submits samples for further checks as required. The Oeko-Tex Association also employs auditors who carry out random checks on production sites to ensure conformity to the Standard 100 is being maintained.

Oeko-Tex Information Pack

To obtain a full Oeko-Tex Information Pack which contains an Application Form and Guide, and further details including a copy of the standard and the procedure for renewing an annual license contact us directly.