The world is becoming more conscious of the impact fashion is having on our world. From the impact to local communities, the workers that make them, to the dumping grounds overflowing with waste, people are looking for ecologically friendly textiles.
This means consciously choosing fabrics that don’t consume vast amounts of resources to produce, are biodegradable, and don’t use harmful chemical dyes. Even choosing non-synthetic fibres like cotton and bamboo is no guarantee that you’re getting an environmentally friendly fabric.
That’s why the best way to know you’re getting something eco-friendly is to use an OEKO-TEX fabric.
What is OEKO-TEX?
OEKO-TEX is an association that tests textiles and fabrics, including leather, to ensure that no harmful chemicals are used in its production. This not only benefits the wearer, who enjoys a safe product for their skin, but it also helps reduce harm to textile workers, manufacturers and their communities, as there are no harmful chemicals used in producing the clothing. Harmful chemicals used in fabric manufacturing often poison local water sources.
The OEKO-TEX association started in 1992 when the Hohenstein Research Institute partnered with the Austrian Textile Research Institute to begin developing best practice standards and testing for fabric and textile production. Since then, the association has developed world leading standards and processes that manufacturers have to meet so that they can advertise and label their products as OEKO-TEX certified. In the present day, there are now 17 different research institutions across Europe and Japan that are a part of the OEKO-TEX association.
Choosing OEKO-TEX fabric garments ensures that you’re getting clothing that is sustainably made, environmentally friendly and is not harmful to human health. As the world becomes more conscious of the impact clothing manufacturing has on people and the planet, this certification has become the gold standard and more important than ever.
The OEKO-TEX Standard 100
The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is one of several standards and certifications the OEKO-TEX association provides, and is the leading choice for clothing and fabrics. The Standard 100 was started in 1992 by the original founding institutions of what would become the OEKO-TEX association, and it ensures materials are free from any chemical that is harmful to human health.
This testing applies to the fabrics used to make clothing, the threads used to sew them together, and even buttons. This means it’s possible to make a garment that is completely produced using OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified materials.
Are there other sustainability certifications beyond the OEKO-TEX Standard 100?
The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification is an industry leading benchmark, but there are other sustainability certifications that ensure products are eco-friendly.
For example, there is the European Confederation of Flax and Hemp (CELC) fabric certification. It works slightly differently to the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 but ensures that CELC fabrics are sustainably produced from every step of manufacture.
Clothing manufacturing brands that are conscious of their impact on people and our environment can also take steps for themselves to improve their environmental impact. Beyond token statements, conscious brands regularly visit the factories which produce the clothes to ensure the workers are safe, cared for, fairly paid and not exploited for profit. They also look for ways to close the loop on their manufacturing process and avoid using damaging chemicals, and these companies should be commended for it.
All this effort to make a difference and produce high quality materials does mean that OEKO-TEX fabric typically costs more than more harmful materials, but when you compare that to the cost of the planet itself, we believe its an equation with only one answer. When you consider the impact we can make to the planet, and the high quality garments we can produce, it is well worth it.
