Information on the standard: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100

Explanation

The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is an independent testing and certification system for raw, intermediate, and finished textile products at all stages of processing. Examples of certifiable items include: raw and dyed/processed sewing thread, raw and dyed/processed fabrics and knits, manufactured goods (all types of clothing, home textiles, bed linens, terry cloth items, textile toys, and many others).

Criteria

Controls for harmful substances include:

• substances prohibited by law
• substances regulated by law
• chemicals known to be harmful to health (but not yet regulated by law)
• as well as parameters for health prevention

Taken as a whole, the requirements go well beyond current national laws.

Laboratory tests and product classes

OEKO-TEX® testing for harmful substances always depends on the actual use of the textile. The more intense the contact between the textile and the skin, the stricter the human ecology requirements.

Therefore, four product classes are differentiated:

• Product class I : textile articles for babies and children up to and including 3 years of age (clothing, toys, sheets, terry cloth articles, etc.)
• Product class II : textiles worn next to the skin (underwear, sheets, T-shirts, etc.)
• Product class III : textiles worn away from the skin (jackets, coats, etc.)
• Product class IV : furnishing materials (curtains, tablecloths, upholstery coverings, etc.)

Certification

The requirement for certification of textile products in accordance with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is that all components of an article meet the required criteria without exception – in addition to the outer part, therefore for example also sewing threads, interlinings, prints etc., as well as non-textile accessories such as buttons, zippers, rivets etc.