The OEKO-TEX® Label: a seal of excellence in the textile industry
The constantly evolving textile industry is undergoing fundamental transformations under the growing influence of sustainability, safety and quality. In this complex landscape, standards and certifications are emerging to guarantee consumers high-quality textile products that are free from harmful substances and more respectful of the environment. Among these certifications, the OEKO-TEX® label stands out as an essential benchmark. In this article, we take a closer look at this certification, exploring its foundations, criteria, benefits and implications, as well as the recent developments that make it an essential component of today's textile industry.
I. OEKO-TEX® : the foundations of rigorous certification
At the heart of this label lies a commitment to consumer safety and product integrity. This certification is based on a set of strict criteria, broken down into three fundamental pillars.
Safety criteria
The first pillar of the label involves assessing the presence of harmful substances in textiles. The aim is to ensure that products do not pose any chemical risk to human health. The safety criteria cover a range of potentially hazardous substances, from azo dyes to heavy metals and residues of chemicals used in textile processing. Rigorous tests are carried out to determine whether products comply with the tolerance levels specified by OEKO-TEX®.
Quality criteria
The quality of OEKO-TEX®-certified textiles is also a major concern. These criteria encompass a multitude of aspects, including colorfastness, material strength and product durability. Extensive testing is designed to ensure that textiles meet the highest quality standards. For example, rub tests and tests for resistance to repeated washing are carried out to assess the durability of colors and fabrics;
Environmental sustainability criteria
In addition to safety and quality, the OEKO-TEX® label also incorporates an environmental perspective. Certified textiles must demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices throughout their life cycle. This includes the responsible management of chemicals and the reduction of CO2 emissions. This is a key element of the certification, which responds to the growing concern about the environmental impact of the textile industry.
II. The different levels of OEKO-TEX® certification
One of the distinctive features of the OEKO-TEX® label is its hierarchy of certification levels, each reflecting specific requirements and covering various sectors of the textile industry. These levels offer valuable flexibility to companies and manufacturers, enabling them to choose the level that best suits their objectives and products.
Level 1 - OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
Level 1, known as Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®, guarantees that products meet the stringent safety criteria laid down by OEKO-TEX®. It is often applied to products in direct contact with the skin, such as baby clothes, underwear and bedding. Standard 100 aims to ensure that these products contain no chemical substances harmful to human health. The tests carried out at this level are particularly demanding, given the proximity of the products to the skin.
At Le Jacquard Français, most of our products are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified.
Level 2 - MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX®
Level 2, entitled MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX®, goes beyond safety to include additional criteria focusing on sustainability and social responsibility. MADE IN GREEN-certified textiles are manufactured in an ecologically and socially responsible way, while meeting safety criteria. This certification meets growing consumer demand for products that are not only safe, but also make a positive contribution to society and the environment.
Level 3 - STeP by OEKO-TEX®
STeP (Sustainable Textile & Leather Production) represents the pinnacle of certification. It encompasses not only safety, quality and environmental sustainability, but also includes social responsibility in its criteria. The STeP level is aimed primarily at textile companies and brands that need to demonstrate an overall commitment to sustainability. This certification scrutinizes production practices, working conditions, chemical management and environmental performance. It offers a comprehensive overview of a company's overall responsibility in the textile industry.
Level 4 - ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX®
At the most basic level of the supply chain, ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX certifies that the chemicals used in textile production comply with safety and sustainability requirements. This certification is primarily aimed at manufacturers of chemicals used in the textile industry. It guarantees that chemicals meet high safety standards, which are essential to prevent contamination of finished products.
III. Benefits of the OEKO-TEX® label
Consumer protection
The label offers consumers peace of mind by guaranteeing the safety of the textile products they buy. By selecting OEKO-TEX® certified products, consumers reduce the risk of exposure to substances harmful to health. This is particularly important for items in direct contact with the skin, such as clothing, sheets and towels, where zero tolerance for harmful chemicals is a priority.
Environmental sustainability
By promoting the use of sustainable resources and reducing CO2 emissions, OEKO-TEX® contributes to the global effort to preserve the environment. Certification takes into account production processes, waste management, responsible water use and carbon footprint reduction. Companies seeking to minimize their ecological impact see OEKO-TEX® as an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Social responsibility
Certain levels of OEKO-TEX® certification incorporate social responsibility standards, helping to improve working conditions in the textile industry. This includes criteria such as respect for human rights, workplace safety, reasonable working hours, and fair pay for workers. Companies seeking to promote fair and safe working conditions find this certification a verifiable way of doing so.
Trust and transparency
The label strengthens consumer confidence in textile products, by emphasizing strict standards of quality and safety. When a product carries the OEKO-TEX® label, it means that it has been subjected to extensive testing and has successfully met rigorous criteria. This increased transparency enables consumers to make informed choices, and to support companies that share their values of safety, sustainability and quality.
IV. Limitations of the OEKO-TEX® label
No absolute guarantee
Although rigorous, the OEKO-TEX® label does not cover all aspects of sustainability or social responsibility. It focuses primarily on the safety of textile products and, to a certain extent, their quality. However, other certifications, such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and Fair Trade, are necessary to address specific aspects of sustainability and social responsibility that are not covered by OEKO-TEX®.
Cost of certification
Obtaining OEKO-TEX® certification can be costly for companies, especially smaller ones. Certification fees vary according to the level of certification, the size of the company, and the number of products to be certified.
Changes in the supply chain
Changes in suppliers or materials used may require new certification, which can be burdensome for companies. The textile supply chains are often complex, with many players involved, making it a logistical challenge to monitor the compliance of all products.
V. Recent developments in the OEKO-TEX® label
As a major player in the textile industry, the OEKO-TEX® label is constantly evolving to meet changing market needs and growing sustainability concerns. These recent developments illustrate the continuing relevance of this certification.
Inclusion of material sustainability
OEKO-TEX® has recently extended its criteria to include the sustainability of materials used in textile production. This means that not only must finished products comply with the standards, but also the materials they are made from. This development highlights the importance of sustainability throughout the textile supply chain, from the production of raw materials to the design of final products.
Integrating blockchain for traceability
Traceability is an essential element of OEKO-TEX® certification. Recently, the organization began exploring the use of blockchain technology to enhance the traceability of certified products. This technology enables the entire supply chain to be transparently tracked, offering increased assurance to consumers and businesses alike.
Collaboration with other standards and certifications
OEKO-TEX® recognizes the importance of collaborating with other standards and certifications to address the challenges of the textile industry in a more holistic way. Consequently, the organization is actively working to integrate its criteria with other certifications, such as GOTS, to provide companies with a more comprehensive approach to textile sustainability.
The undeniable relevance of the OEKO-TEX® label
The OEKO-TEX® label stands out like a beacon in the complex ocean of the textile industry. Its solid base of safety, quality and environmental sustainability criteria, as well as its distinct levels of certification, make it a preferred choice for consumers concerned about the quality and environmental impact of their textile purchases. The label remains a benchmark for quality, environmentally-friendly textile products.