GLOBAL ECO-STANDARD SINCE 1992
The STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, which was introduced in 1992, is a globally recognized testing and certification system for textile raw materials, intermediate and end products of all processing stages as well as used accessory materials.
The central responsibility of OEKO-TEX® lies in the uniform and independent development of test criteria, limit values and test methods on a scientific basis. The comprehensive and strict catalog of measures of OEKO-TEX®, in which several hundred individual substances are listed, forms the basis. In addition, important legal regulations on substances such as azo colorants, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, cadmium, nickel and other prohibited substances, are taken into account. In addition, harmful chemicals that have not yet been legally registered are also included.
Requirements for the OEKO-TEX® community
Also, all the requirements of the European Chemicals Regulation REACh and the ECHA SVHC Candidate List can be looked up here. These requirements are relevant when considering fabrics, textiles, clothing and accessories for expert groups of the OEKO-TEX® Community. When updating the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® requirements, discussions and developments deemed to be relevant will be considered as soon as possible.
The STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® contributes to a high and effective protection of end consumers. In addition, with the help of extensive product controls and regular company audits, this ensures a worldwide awareness of the industry and thus a responsible use of chemicals.
Internationally defined limits and test criteria
Frequently, the test criteria and limit values go well beyond national and international standards. The pollutant tests of the OEKO-TEX® depend on the respective intended use of the textiles and materials - ie the more intensive the skin contact of a product and the more sensitive the skin, the more stringent human ecological requirements apply.
For such certifications, it is assumed that all components of the article meet the required criteria. This includes the proof and application of operational quality assurance measures, as well as the legally binding signing of commitments and declarations of conformity by the applicant.
By means of the declaration of conformity, the holder of a certificate commits himself to marking only the goods conforming to the test sample with the logo of the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®.
These four product classes are considered:
- Product Class I:
Articles for babies and infants up to 3 years (underwear, rompers, clothing, bed linen, terry towels, etc.) - Product Class II:
Close up used items (underwear, bedding, T-shirts, stockings etc.) - Product Class III:
Remote used articles (jackets, coats etc.) - Product class IV:
Furnishing materials (curtains, tablecloths, upholstered furniture covers etc.)