OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is an independent testing and certification system for raw, intermediate and final textile products for all stages of processing. Examples of certifiable articles are raw and dyed/refined yarns, raw and dyed/refined woven and knitted fabrics, ready-made articles (garments of all types, home textiles, bedding, terry towel articles, textile toys and much more).
Criteria
Tests for harmful substances cover:
substances banned by law, substances regulated by law, substances that are known to be potentially harmful to health (but are not yet chemicals regulated by law), as well as parameters for healthcare.
In their entirety, the requirements go considerably beyond existing national legislation.
Why OEKO-TEX®?
The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 was developed at the beginning of the 1990s as a response to the needs of consumers and the general public for textiles that are not harmful to health. „Poison in textiles“ and other negative headlines were widespread at that time, which labelled chemicals used in producing textiles as negative and harmful to health across the board. However, demands for modern textile products could not be met without using specific chemical substances. Stylish colours, easy care, long service life and many other functional properties of textiles are called for today, and are sometimes indispensible depending on the application (e.g. for professional clothing and protective clothing).