Understanding the Distinctions of OEKO-TEX, European Flax, and GOTS Certifications
In the world of textiles, ensuring safety and sustainability is paramount, especially for products intended for babies and young children. One certification that stands out is the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class 1.
This certification is the gold standard for chemical safety in textiles. It guarantees that a textile product has been independently tested and verified to be free from harmful levels of over 1,000 substances considered hazardous to human health. This stringent testing ensures that the product meets the strictest chemical safety requirements, making it safe for sensitive skin, including that of children ([1], [4]).
However, it's important to note that the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 focuses specifically on chemical safety. It does not inherently certify compliance with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards related to labour rights, fair wages, or working conditions.
For social responsibility and labour standards, OEKO-TEX offers a different certification called Made in Green. This certification combines chemical safety with verification of sustainable production and socially responsible working conditions, ensuring compliance with international norms ([3]).
A prime example of a brand that adheres to these standards is one that uses European Flax®. This fibre extraction process is 100% mechanical, meaning zero chemicals are used in the process. The brand also guarantees traceability from flax seed to finished duvet cover, with production exclusively in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. No irrigation, GMO, or defoliants are used in the production process ([2]).
The duvet covers are also certified Class I, the most stringent class, ensuring they are safe for babies. In addition, they are certified under the OEKO-TEX Standard 100®, which ensures the duvet is free of harmful chemicals, adheres to stringent requirements, and is tested for both regulated and harmful chemicals. The European Flax® certification, coupled with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class 1 certification, offers a double assurance of safety and sustainability ([5], [6]).
Moreover, the brand adheres to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which sets strict environmental and social criteria throughout the entire organic textiles supply chain. GOTS prohibits the use of Azo dyes that release carcinogenic amine compounds, and bleaches must be based on oxygen, not chlorine. It also enforces strict ecological and toxicological criteria for all chemicals used in processing and manufacturing ([7], [8]).
In conclusion, when choosing textiles, especially for babies, it's crucial to look for certifications that assure both chemical safety and compliance with labour standards. The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class 1 ensures stringent limits on harmful chemicals, while the Made in Green certification verifies sustainable production and socially responsible working conditions. By choosing textiles with these certifications, you can rest assured that you're making a safe and sustainable choice for your loved ones.
References:
[1] OEKO-TEX. (n.d.). OEKO-TEX Standard 100. Retrieved from https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-services/standard-100-by-oeko-tex
[2] European Flax. (n.d.). European Flax. Retrieved from https://www.europeanflax.org/
[3] OEKO-TEX. (n.d.). Made in Green by OEKO-TEX. Retrieved from https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-services/made-in-green
[4] OEKO-TEX. (n.d.). OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class 1. Retrieved from https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-services/standard-100-by-oeko-tex-class-1
[5] Global Organic Textile Standard. (n.d.). GOTS. Retrieved from https://www.global-standard.org/
[6] OEKO-TEX. (n.d.). OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class 1 - Certified textiles for babies and toddlers. Retrieved from https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-services/standard-100-by-oeko-tex-class-1-certified-textiles-for-babies-and-toddlers
[7] Global Organic Textile Standard. (n.d.). Prohibited substances list. Retrieved from https://www.global-standard.org/media/1013/gots-prohibited-substances-list-v_9_0.pdf
[8] Global Organic Textile Standard. (n.d.). Environmental criteria. Retrieved from https://www.global-standard.org/media/1014/gots-environmental-criteria-v_9_0.pdf
When selecting textiles for your home, consider brands that are certified under both the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class 1 for chemical safety and the Made in Green by OEKO-TEX for sustainable production and socially responsible working conditions. Such certification ensures that your home textiles are safe and ethically produced.
Beyond textiles, you may also want to investigate fashion and beauty products that adhere to similar standards, promoting a lifestyle committed to safety, sustainability, and social responsibility in the areas of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden.
