What is OEKO-TEX® - Confidence in textiles

Oeko-tex is a voluntary labeling of textile products that shows that they do not contain any substances that are dangerous to skin and health. Because the use of chemicals in the manufacture of these products is minimized, it can be seen as an indirect eco-label, even if the raw materials are not organically produced.

In order for a product to be labeled with the Oeko-Tex label, it must undergo extensive tests and inspections and all its components must be checked. Fabric and thread as well as buttons and zippers are carefully checked. In addition, the company that distributes the product must be certified.

The content of substances that are harmful to the environment and health, such as formaldehyde, pesticides, PCBs, heavy metals and other chemical residues in textile products must not exceed internationally accepted limit values. These limit values ​​are continuously updated as new knowledge comes into the field.

The criteria and maximum permissible values ​​are often at the forefront in the field, ie they include not only legally prohibited or controlled substances but also other substances that have been scientifically judged to be hazardous to health.

There are a few different classes of Oeko-Tex, where the requirements are set a little differently depending on how the product is normally used. The more contact with the skin, the greater the demands.

 

Class 1

This product class includes products for babies and has the strictest requirements and limit values.  

 

Class 2

This product class includes products with skin contact. This comprises articles that come into direct contact with the skin to a large extent, such as blouses, shirts, underwear, mattresses, etc.

 

Class 3

This product class includes products without skin contact. This covers articles that have no or minimal contact with the skin, such as jackets and vests, belts, etc. 

 

Class 4 (Class 4 is what applies to many of the products we sell)

This product class includes decoration materials. It covers all articles including initial products and accessories used for furnishing purposes, such as table cloths, curtains, upholstery fabrics, etc.  

 

Note

It is not only the end consumer who benefits from the absence of harmful substances, but everyone who is involved in the production of the end product. No chemicals are spread in the rooms where the fabrics are woven and cut, not even where they are sewn together. Warehouse workers who handle the products do not have to be exposed to the risk of inhaling a lot of bad harmful substances.

Unannounced tests are performed on the products even after they have been approved to check that the garments live up to their promise. All so that the consumer can feel confident in knowing what to buy.

In Sweden, it is, among others, the company RISE that is certified to perform tests and approve according to Oeko-Tex standard.

 

Source:

Oeko-Tex is a registered trade mark , representing the product labels and company certifications issued and other services provided by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology