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What Are Oeko-Tex® Certifications?
They Actually Measure Product Quality
Understanding Oeko-Tex Certifications
Chances are you've seen Oeko-Tex labels—whether at Target, online, or at a friend's house.
But what do the different labels really mean? We're here to set the record straight about Standard 100, STeP, and Made in Green certifications.
Oeko-Tex® Standard 100
What's the skinny on Oeko-Tex Standard 100?
The Standard 100 label lets consumers know just how safe their clothing and products really are—right down to the buttons (literally).
Standard 100 tests every single component of the end product before a piece of clothing can receive the label, including:
- Applications
- Buttons and eyelets
- Lining
- Outer materials
- Prints
- Sewing thread
- Textiles
- Prints
And the Standard 100 isn't a "set it and forget it" standard—the criteria are "updated at least once a year and expanded with new scientific knowledge or statutory requirements" to ensure veracity.
Standard 100 is truly the universal measure of quality. In many cases, the criteria are more stringent than international requirements because Oeko-Tex tests for regulated and non-regulated substances.
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 tests:
- Banned azo dyes
- Carcinogenic and allergy-inducing colorants
- Pesticides for textiles made of natural fibers
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Tin organic compounds
- Chlorinated phenols
- Phthalates (softeners)
- PFOS
- PFOA
- Surfactant wetting agent residues (APEOS)
- And much more.
The Bottom Line? When you see the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 label, you can shop with the confidence that what you're buying is safe and free from harmful substances (regulated and otherwise!). To learn more about your garment, check the label here.
Okeo-Tex® STeP
What is Oeko-Tex STeP?
Oeko-Tex STeP (Sustainable Textile and Leather Production) evaluates the entire production chain instead of focusing on individual elements of sustainability.
Oeko-Tex STeP evaluates businesses on a holistic level to address:
- Environmental and chemical management
- Workers' health, safety, and protection
- Socially responsible and fair working conditions
- Improvement of production processes and the efficient use of resources
STeP certification evaluates all levels of processing and production, including:
- Dry and wet spinning and twisting (and related processes)
- Weaving, knitting, etc.
- Pretreatment, dyeing, printing, finishing, etc.
- Manufacturing accessories (buttons, zippers, prints, etc.)
- Textile logistics
- Non-agricultural fiber manufacturing
- And more
Additionally, STeP certification is a prerequisite for the Oeko-Tex Made in Green label.
Oeko-Tex STeP aims to bring about long-term changes for businesses in their sustainability practices, focusing primarily on safe production processes, dignified working conditions, and health and safety for workers, the environment, and the consumer.
Oeko-Tex® Made In Green
Now, what about Oeko-Tex Made in Green?
Oeko-Tex Made in Green takes the Standard 100 label to the next level. A Made in Green label means a product is certified:
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100 (or Leather Standard)
- Oeko-Tex STeP
This label gives you peace of mind that the product you're bringing into your home has been:
- Tested for more than 300 harmful substances
- Manufactured using environmentally friendly and socially responsible processes
The Made in Green label empowers you to make sustainable decisions with your dollar. When you buy something Made in Green, rest assured that during production:
- Chemicals,
- Wastewater,
- Emissions,
- And resources,
Were used safely, effectively, and efficiently.
Made in Green also demonstrates a brand's commitment and transparency—all Made in Green products are labeled with a unique product ID and/or QR code so that you can track your product's path! You can find out the exact countries and facilities your item has passed through.
In today's world, greenwashing (deceptive marketing that misrepresents a product or brand's sustainability practices) is everywhere. A Made in Green label means you're buying from a brand that puts its money where its mouth is—it shows more than commitment; it shows action.
Takeaways from Oeko-Tex Certifications
Oeko-Tex certifications like Standard 100, STeP, and Made in Green empower you to make informed buying decisions about the products you bring into your home. Beyond that, you can sleep easily knowing (from soup to nuts!) your sheets, clothes, towels, and more are 100% safe and made with the highest regard for the environment and workers' health and safety.
