In the ever-evolving manufacturing landscape, sustainability and responsibility have become important values. Amidst these industry shifts, manufacturers are discovering the proven benefits of the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certification. This certificate confirms that rigorous safety and environmental standards are being upheld. This certificate could serve as a credible quality security for the manufacturer, the brand, the buyer, and the customer of the final product.
Why should we start to sit up and pay attention to all these certificates when there are so many already? We have slowly accepted, not just as manufacturers but as a wider society, that if we can contribute to a greener climate in any form, it is worth it; every little bit helps, whether it’s recycling or buying greener items. Something that looks great might not actually be great, so whether it is a fair trade certificate or a GOTS certificate, all these certificates matter.
Understanding OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certification
Standard 100 Certification
Simply put, the Standard 100 label is a clear and straightforward certification that assures the item has passed a test for the presence of harmful substances. There are four classes; the closer the item is to skin contact, the stricter the classification. The strict tests, which include important legal regulations such as banned azo colorants, pentachlorophenol, per-fluorinated substances, cadmium, lead, etc., are a testament to the high standards held.
Who are OEKO-TEX?
OEKO-TEX has been in existence since 1992. The International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile Ecology (Oeko-Tex Association), founded in Switzerland, now offers a globally recognized certification system. This system ensures textiles are produced eco-friendly and without harmful substances.
OEKO-TEX is firmly committed to ethical and responsible business conduct. Importantly, they prioritize aspects such as corporate governance, business ethics, human rights, labor rights, environmental stewardship, societal impact, and accountability. Moreover, their Code of Conduct underscores the importance of integrity, impartiality, honesty, and reliability, while also ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Additionally, they are advocates for scientific integrity, fair competition, and social and environmental responsibility throughout their value chain. Furthermore, OEKO-TEX places a high priority on providing professional and personal development opportunities for their workforce. They are dedicated to ensuring safe working conditions that are free from discrimination, harassment, or abuse. Equally important, they aim to reduce adverse effects on the environment and make a positive contribution to community development. Lastly, the company encourages the reporting of compliance breaches and guarantees confidentiality for anyone reporting violations, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Milestones
In 2020, OEKO-TEX issued 21,000 certificates, affirming its commitment to sustainability. By 2023, it had joined the ISEAL Community, marking a significant step in its mission. The ISEAL Alliance, a global leader in sustainability standards, works to implement these guidelines worldwide. Established in 2002, ISEAL‘s mission is to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of sustainability standards and certification systems, encapsulated in its name: the International Social and Environmental Accreditation and Labeling Alliance.
Standards and Requirements of OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certification
- The Standard 100 proves that every item has been certified and doesn’t threaten human health.
- Every item component, such as threads, zippers, and accessories, has undergone tests to ensure they do not contain any harmful substances against a list of over 1,000 substances.
- The degree of skin contact determines the strictness of the laboratory tests and human ecology requirements.
- Standardized test criteria are used and recognized globally.
- The certification that is issued meets international regulations and requirements.
Limitations for hazardous substances are checked at least once every year
Benefits and Significance
Companies that follow recognized environmental standards can show their commitment to protecting the environment and using resources responsibly. This aligns with the expectations of customers and stakeholders concerned about sustainability.
Companies can improve their brand reputation by adhering to standards that respect human rights, labor practices, and the environment. Meeting legal and ethical requirements in corporate governance and business practices can increase trust and reliability among customers and partners.
OEKO-TEX standards allow companies to use environmentally friendly technologies and products. This contributes to the global effort to combat climate change. Compliance with OEKO-TEX standards ensures that products are safe and that production is sustainable and socially responsible. This can attract a growing market of environmentally and socially conscious consumers.
Certification Process
To obtain the STANDARD 100 certification for products, companies should follow these steps:
Application and Initial Consultation:
Register online, complete the application form, and submit a material sample of the products to be certified to one of the OEKO-TEX independent institutes. This involves providing detailed information about the product’s composition, intended use, and manufacturing process.
Documentation Review:
OEKO-TEX will verify the application and the material sample. They will then review the provided documentation to assess the product’s eligibility for the certificate. This review may include reviews of the raw materials, chemicals used, and other relevant information to ensure compliance with the standard’s criteria.
Definition & Analytics:
The next step involves defining test and measurement criteria and developing an individual measurement plan. The products undergo strict testing in OEKO-TEX laboratories to detect harmful substances, including heavy metals, formaldehyde, and certain phthalates.
On-site Visit:
An onsite visit to the production facilities is necessary to ensure that manufacturing processes comply with OEKO-TEX standards for environmental and social responsibility. This compliance includes the management of resource use, waste, and labor conditions.
Report:
Once testing and necessary audits are complete, a comprehensive report detailing the test results is provided. This report highlights the findings and confirms whether the products comply with the required safety and environmental standards..
Certification:
Once products clear the necessary testing and audits, the company earns the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification. This one-year certification confirms that the products are safe and environmentally friendly, empowering consumers to make informed and responsible decisions.
By adhering to these steps, companies can clearly demonstrate their commitment to creating products that are both safe and environmentally friendly, thereby earning the trust of consumers worldwide.
Industry Relevance
High environmental and social standards are crucial for distinguishing textile and leather bags in a competitive market. Products with OEKO-TEX labels, such as STANDARD 100, will likely attract customers seeking safe and sustainably produced items.
Being a part of a network of certified producers not only makes it easier to access markets and partners that prioritize ethical and sustainable production practices but also significantly aids in navigating the complex landscape of environmental regulations. Furthermore, adherence to OEKO-TEX standards substantially reduces the risk of non-compliance, thus ensuring manufacturers can focus more on innovation and less on navigating regulatory complexities.
A commitment to social responsibilities, including fair labor practices and non-discrimination, improves employee satisfaction and can lead to higher productivity and quality in manufacturing operations, one stitch at a time.