What is the Oeko-Tex standard 100?
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The Oeko Tex standard 100 is an environmental certification for yarns and textiles.
Oeko-Tex standard 100 tests for harmful substances, including:
- legally banned and controlled substances
- chemicals known to be harmful to the health (but not yet legally controlled)
- parameters for health protection.
Only textiles and yarns that have been tested for Oeko-Tex 100 will receive the certification.
According to the Oeko Tex website,
- Product certification according to OEKO-TEX® is only possible if all components of an item comply with the required test criteria without exception. [...]
- The criteria for OEKO-TEX® testing for harmful substances are revised every year and are therefore always up to date with regard to legal regulations and the newest scientific findings.
- The OEKO-TEX® test criteria have globally consistent validity. It therefore does not matter where the certified products are manufactured and where consumers buy them.
- OEKO-TEX® testing for harmful substances is applicape to all kinds of textiles, regardless of the material from which they are manufactured (natural fibres, synthetic fibres, organic cotton, recycled materials, etc.).
- Testing and certification of the textiles [yarns] is carried out exclusively by neutral/independent facilities: The accredited research and testing institutes of the International OEKO-TEX® Association.
- STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified items are also subject to random testing after certification in the framework of product checks to ensure compliance with the stipulated criteria.
- The OEKO-TEX® laboratory tests take into account all conceivable ways how harmful substances could enter the body, e.g. by skin contact, by respiration etc.
- Consumers can independently verify the validity of a label using the test number stated at any time.
For more information, please go the Oeko Tex website.