WHAT IS OEKO TEX STANDARD 100 CERTIFICATE?

Published: 25/01/2024

One of the most respected and recognized certifications in the textile industry is the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certificate. This is not only a label, but also a guarantee that products meet the highest safety standards. In this article we will delve into the essence of this certification, discovering what benefits it brings to consumers and manufacturers, and what harmful substances are eliminated through rigorous testing. But before we get into the details, it's worth considering what OEKO TEX certification is and what its role is.

 

What is the purpose of product certification?

 

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification provides unwavering protection for a key value: consumer safety. Its main purpose is to guarantee that textiles, from raw materials to the moment they reach the hands of users, are free of all substances harmful to health. It's more than just a label, it's also a commitment by manufacturers to adhere to the strictest safety standards. It acts as a watchdog to ensure that consumers using these textiles do not run the risk of coming into contact with potentially hazardous substances. From the moment the materials are at the raw materials stage to the finished product in the hands of the user, the OEKO TEX Certificate acts as a guarantee that the production process is subjected to strict scrutiny for possible harmfulness to health.


OEKO TEX certification not only informs consumers, but also acts as an incentive for manufacturers to adhere to safety guidelines. This means that certified textiles not only meet standards, but are also the result of manufacturers' commitment to creating safe and reliable products from the very beginning of the production process.

 

What harmful substances are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100-certified textiles tested for?

 

OEKO-TEX certification is not just empty promises, but concrete measures to eliminate harmful substances from textiles. The process involves rigorous testing in which a variety of textiles, from fabrics to finished garments, are subjected to, checking for the presence of many potentially hazardous substances.


Tests are conducted for:


  • Azo dyes
  • Formaldehyde
  • Surfactants
  • Cadmium
  • Nickel
  • Lead
  • Phthalates
  • Perfluorooctane sulfonic acids
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

 

Who carries out the tests?

 

Laboratory tests are conducted only by qualified experts who are members of the OEKO-TEX Association institute. This is a group of specialists who are committed to carrying out thorough analysis and testing, taking care of the meticulousness and reliability of the results. The idea of testing for harmful substances is based on an innovative and flexible modular system. This approach enables certification at every stage of textile production, from raw materials to the finished product. This makes it possible for manufacturers to obtain OEKO TEX certification at specific stages of production, which in turn allows close control over product quality and safety at every stage of the process.

 

 From what harmfulness angle are OEKO-TEX® tests conducted?

 

The tests conducted as part of the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification focus on assessing the harmfulness of textiles to the health of users. The process covers various aspects, taking into account both the amount and nature of the chemicals present in the textiles.

The testing process mainly focuses on assessing potential harm by monitoring the release of hazardous substances from the tested materials. According to the OEKO-TEX Association, this aspect is crucial to ensure the safety of garments, especially when there is the possibility of direct contact with human skin and the risk of absorbing potentially harmful substances through it.

Central to the testing is the examination of the emission of harmful substances from the materials, with a particular focus on those in direct contact with the skin. Additional analyses include color fastness, an important part of OEKO-TEX's overall testing process. In the case of materials intended for the youngest, additional color fastness tests are conducted, such as suction simulations, exposure to synthetic saliva or contact with sweat.

 

 

What do the four product certification classes of STANDARD 100 OEKO-TEX® mean?

 

OEKO-TEX certification introduces four product certification classes that precisely define the use of textiles and the degree of contact with human skin. These classes provide a more targeted evaluation, taking into account different needs and risk levels for different consumer groups.

 

Class I - For infants and children under 3 years of age

 

Products in this class are designed for the most sensitive group - infants and toddlers. This includes any textiles that come into direct contact with the delicate skin of infants, such as bodysuits, sleeping bags and clothes. Certification of this class guarantees that the textiles are free of substances that can adversely affect a developing baby's body.

 

Class II - For Direct Contact with the Skin

 

Products in this class include textiles that come into direct contact with the skin, but are not dedicated to infants. This could be, for example, T-shirts, pants or bedding. Class II certification excludes harmful substances, which guarantees safe skin contact for children and adults.

 

Class III - For Direct Contact Products.

 

This class includes products that do not come into direct contact with the skin, but may come into contact with clothing or directly the outer layer of textiles. Class III includes, for example, jackets, coats or bags. Certification of this class is important to avoid harmful substances that can penetrate other layers of clothing and get into the skin.

 

Class IV - For products that are distant from the skin.

 

Products in this class have minimal or no direct contact with the skin. This includes, for example, curtains, carpets or furniture upholstery. Although direct contact with leather is limited, certification of this class still ensures that the textiles do not contain harmful substances that can affect general health.

 

Summary

 

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification is a guarantee of textile safety, eliminating harmful substances from raw materials to the final product. Independent laboratories, rigorous testing and four classes of certification offer a comprehensive approach to safety, responding to different consumer needs. Holding this certification becomes a symbol of high quality and concern for health, integrating fashion with an ethical approach to textile production.

As a manufacturer of cotton products, we are OEKO-TEX certified. Among other things, our fabric bags and printed eco bags are created from health-safe materials that meet all the requirements of the certificate.

 

MART’S BAGS

info@martsbags.com

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