What lies behind OEKO-TEX
Short answer: OEKO-TEX is a system of labels about which substances may remain in the finished textile. The most widespread is Standard 100, and it applies to the product as you hold it in your hand. It says nothing about working conditions or water use in production.
What OEKO-TEX is
OEKO-TEX is not one label but a family of labels, each looking at its own part of the textile industry. What they share is that they rest on independent testing and not only on the producer's own statements. On clothing you most often meet Standard 100, which concerns the substances left in the finished product.
What Standard 100 covers
The product is tested for a long list of substances that can cause skin irritation or are unwanted for other reasons. Limit values decide how much of each substance may remain at most. The test takes place on the finished textile and not only on the raw material, so it says something about what actually ends up against your skin.
The whole product counts
The test covers the whole product, including thread, buttons, zips and prints. That matters because thread and prints sit as close to the skin as the fabric itself. The test therefore looks at every component and not only at the main fabric the garment is made from, which gives a fuller picture.
What it does not cover
Standard 100 says nothing about working conditions at the factory or about how much water was used along the way. It concerns only the finished product and the substances left in it. If you want to know about other links in the chain, you need other labels or must ask the producer. See OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified products.
How to find the certificate
The label or hangtag shows a certificate number and the name of the test institute that issued it. The number can be looked up with OEKO-TEX, so you can see who the certificate was issued to and which products it covers. It is a simple way to check that the label is more than a symbol.
Does the certificate need renewing
Yes. A certificate is valid for a period and must be renewed, so the label reflects recent testing. That is why it is worth looking up the number if you want to know whether it is still valid. If no certificate number is shown, you can ask the shop for the documentation before you buy.
Using it in practice
In the shop you can use the label as one simple extra piece of information beside the fibre name. It is especially relevant for clothing and bedding that lie close to the skin for many hours. Have a look at Bamboo Basics and bamboo fitted sheets and read the product description about the material.
OEKO-TEX and other labels
Standard 100 cannot be set against labels such as FSC or GOTS, because they look at different things. FSC concerns where the raw material comes from, and GOTS concerns organic natural fibres. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 concerns the substances in the finished textile. Together they give a fuller picture, but none can answer everything alone.
What to take away
The label is useful when you want to know what is in the finished textile, and it is easy to check through the certificate number. It is not a guarantee about working conditions or the environment. Use it as one piece of information among several, and read fibre name, care label and product description before you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Are there several OEKO-TEX labels
Yes. OEKO-TEX is made up of several labels that look at different things. Standard 100 is the one most often seen on clothing and bedding, and it concerns the substances in the finished product.
Does it apply to the whole garment
Yes, the test covers the whole product including thread, buttons, zips and prints, not only the fabric. That makes the label more meaningful for clothing worn close to the body.
Does the certificate need renewing
Yes. A certificate is valid for a set period and must be renewed. You can look up the number to see whether it is still valid and who it was issued to.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
