In the textile and clothing industry, there are quite a few eco-responsible labels, and it's sometimes possible to get lost and no longer know what they mean.

That's why we're going to try and shed some light on the subject, starting with the Oeko-Tex label.

A brief history

It was developed in 1992 by our German neighbors at the Hohenstein Research Institute and the Austrian Textile Research Institute.

The label currently comprises 18 research institutes in Europe and Japan.

But then, what's it good for?

Oeko-Tex guarantees that all types of textiles, whether for ready-to-wear, childcare, medical, furnishing or automotive applications, are free from chemicals and toxic substances that are harmful to the body and the environment. The certification is valid for 1 year, and must be repeated every year.

Thanks to this, textiles undergo checks at all stages of processing, i.e. during raw material treatment, the fiber conversion phase, and during the dyeing stage. 

Oeko-Tex applies to every stage of processing,from yarn to finished product.

There are around 100 parameters to be met in order to be certified by the label. The tests cover color stability and fastness, pH and the substances used in processing. These are listed in the Reach directive, which specifies which substances must not be used and which must be tested.

In this way, the control is as complete as possible and guarantees that the garments contain no or very few toxic products or agents. Obviously, the more the textile is in contact with the skin, the stricter the rules and tests.

The Oeko-Tex label comprises a number of certifications, issued exclusively by partner institutes.

Oeko-Tex certifications

The Oeko-Tex label is fairly widespread, but should not be confused with an organic label. It is there to ensure, and above all to assure consumers, that the textile does not contain chemical products. Oeko-Tex has no influence on the textile fiber, its origin or its cultivation and production. 

Mind you, we're not telling you that it's a lie or that it's not really necessary, because it helps to keep our beautiful, beloved planet non-polluted! 

If you want to go one step further, it's a good idea to combine two labels to optimize their action. For example, using GOTS-certified organic cotton processed without chemicals, guaranteed by the Oeko-Tex label, ensures total product quality. 

The GOTS label guarantees that textiles are 100% organic. But if you'd like to know a little more about it, we invite you to take a look at our article "What does GOTS certification mean?".  

If you want to see organic and Oeko tex certified products, here are 2 just below: