What is Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX?

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The STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is a worldwide consistent, independent testing and certification system for raw, semi-finished, and finished textile products at all processing levels, as well as accessory materials used.

To obtain a OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, the textile needs to be free from more than 100 substances known to be harmful to human health. The standard takes into account the following:

• Legal regulations, such as banned AZO colourants, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, cadmium, nickel etc
• Other harmful chemicals that are not yet legally regulated
• Requirements of Annexes XVII and XIV of the European Chemicals Regulation REACh as well as the ECHA SVHC Candidate List
• Requirements from the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regarding lead.
• Numerous environmentally relevant substance classes

The OEKO-TEX® tests for harmful substances are fundamentally based on the respective purpose of the textiles and materials. The more intensive the skin contact of a product and the more sensitive the skin, the stricter the human-ecological requirements that need to be complied with.

Accordingly, a distinction is made between four product classes:

• 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.)

A certification is valid for 12 months. The International OEKO-TEX Association control tests at least 25% of all issued certificates each year by performing sampling.

Why choose a product certified by OEKO-TEX?

It is one of the most well known and respected standard in place for testing harmful substances. The European nations are currently the leaders in ensuring safe fabrication that adhere to strict standards such as OEKO-TEX and GOTS.

Unfortunately not all fabrics are manufactured equally. Companies that are committed to ensuring their products passes OEKO-TEX standards have their customer's health and environmental sustainability at the top of their priority. 

At Wicked Fabrics safe fabric and environmental sustainability is at the top of my priority list.