STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®

Introduction
STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is a worldwide uniform, independent testing and certification system for raw, semi-finished, and finished textile products, as well as accessories. Examples of articles that can be certified are raw and finished yarns, fabrics in general, accessories such as buttons, zip fasteners, sewing threads or labels, clothing, home and furnishing fabrics, bed linen, sponges etc.
Textile products get the STANDARD 100 label if they have been successfully tested for hazardous and harmful substances. These substances are identified in the vast OEKO-TEX® catalog.
STANDARD 100 label by OEKO-TEX® is a useful mean that helps to protect the consumer.

Tests criteria
Since 1992, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® develops verification criteria, identifies limit values ​​for certain chemical substances and elaborates scientific test methodologies. Starting from the extensive and strict list of regulated requirements, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® takes into account important regulations that prohibit for example the presence of azo-dyes, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, cadmium, nickel, lead as well as many chemical substances harmful to health (even not yet regulated by the law) and classes of substances harmful to the environment.
The Standard is updated every year.

Laboratory tests
The criteria and limit values ​​of STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® tests for harmful substances are based on the actual use of a textile product.
The more a textile product comes into contact with the skin (and the more sensitive skin is), the higher are the human-ecological requirements to be met.
The products that come into direct and intensive contact with the skin (for example, baby items, underwear, bed linen …) must meet more stringent requirements than those in which there is no direct contact with the skin (eg example jackets or coats). For this reason textile products are assigned to four distinct categories:

• Product class I
  Articles for babies and toddlers up to 3 years of age: underwear, rompers, clothing, bed linen, terry products etc.

• Product class II
  Articles that are worn close to the skin: underwear, bed linen, t-shirts, socks etc.

• Product class III
  Articles used away from the skin: jackets, coats etc.

• Product class IV
  Decoration/Furnishing materials: curtains, tablecloths, upholstery covers etc.

The OEKO-TEX® test methodology is mainly based on the verification of release of harmful substances from the materials. According to the OEKO-TEX® Association, the main concern about textile products is the risk of absorption of these substances through the skin.
For this reason, rigorous testing methods have been identified to evaluate the release of harmful substances in certain types of products, such as materials intended for infants and children.
In this specific case the materials are also tested for the solidity of the colors by simulating the suction with a synthetic saliva and the sweating. The dyes pass the test only if they have a very high level of solidity.

The prerequisite for product certification based on the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is that all components of an article meet the required criteria. Other requirements include the existence and application of corporate management and quality protection procedures and the legally binding declaration of commitment and compliance by the client.

Frequent Asked Questions
Why is my product with the STANDARD 100 label tested for harmful substances?
There are several good reasons for testing harmful substances:

• Textile safety cannot be determined by visual inspection alone – not even by experts. Laboratory tests based on scientific discoveries, performed by structures (such as OEKO-TEX®) with the necessary skills, are the only way to ascertain without doubt whether textile articles are free from unwanted harmful substances.
• Furthermore, outsourcing of work is very high in the textile sector.  Individual production steps are often based in different countries with different legal requirements regarding possible harmful substances. Thus, transparent and standardized test criteria all over the world such as the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® are indispensable for testing harmful substances.
• Many product properties that we demand from textile products (eg properties, colors, easy ironing, dimensional stability, etc.) can only be achieved through the targeted use of chemicals. It is therefore even more important that the textile production process does not use undesirable substances that remain as residues on the final product, causing possible health problems to the wearer.

Can you rely on tests for harmful substances according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX?

• Product certification according to OEKO-TEX® is only possible if all the components of an article comply with the required test criteria, without exception. This means that not only the outer fabric of the garment is tested for harmful substances, but also all the other components such as sewing threads, parts of accessories (buttons, studs, zips, etc.), as well as coatings, prints …
• The criteria for the OEKO-TEX® tests for harmful substances are reviewed annually and are therefore always up-to-date with regard to legal regulations and the latest scientific discoveries.
• The OEKO-TEX® test criteria has a uniform global validity. So it does not matter where products are certified and where consumers buy them.
• The OEKO-TEX® test for harmful substances is applicable to all types of fabrics (natural fibers, synthetic fibers, organic cotton, recycled materials, etc.).
• Tests and certification of textiles are carried out exclusively by neutral and independent structures: the accredited research institutes of the International OEKO-TEX® Association.
• Items certified according to the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® are also subject to random tests after certification, to ensure compliance with the established criteria.
• OEKO-TEX® laboratory tests take into consideration all conceivable ways how harmful substances can enter the body, e.g. In contact with skin, breathing and swallowing.
• Consumers can independently check the validity of a label at any time using the indicated test number.

Which products are certified according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®?
Product certification according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® focuses on the clothing and home textiles sector, but also includes technical fabrics (eg car seats) and medical applications (eg support stockings or bandages) .
A wide range of OEKO-TEX® certified products is available on the market. However, it may occur that some products are not marked with the OEKO-TEX® brand, because product labeling is not mandatory for manufacturers. So, it is worth asking for it.

Where can I buy products with the STANDARD 100 label by OEKO-TEX®?
OEKO-TEX® certified textiles are available online and offline

Our Sources:
https://www.oeko-tex.com/it/business/certifications_and_services/ots_100/ots_100_start.xhtml
OETI – Istituto per Ecologia, Tecnica e Innovazione

Institute of tests and certification
Member of the International OEKO-TEX® Association