Importance of Oeko-Tex Standard for Textile Industry

Abstract

Textile production is extremely complex and involves a multitude of mechanical and physico-chemical processes. It is often very demanding in terms of energy, water and chemicals, in relation both to the environment and the employees in the production processes. Textile product which is produced in eco-friendly manner and processed under eco-friendly limits is called ecotextile. In ecotextile production it is very important to be aware about economic, social and environmentally sustainable product development processes. The producers are the most important factor for environmentally friendly textiles production. For textile consumers the most important interest is the issue of possible influence of hazards from textile products on human health which is called - human ecology. From human-ecological point of view it is clear that the most important tendency is that the product has no harmful effect on health. Ecolabelling is only one type of environmental labelling that refers specifically to the provision of information to consumers about the relative environmental quality of product materials and substances used in textile industry. Such labelling take the form of Ecolabels awarded by programs operated at national or regional levels. OEKO-TEX® (the International Association for Research and Testing in the field of textile and leather ecology) is the most widespread and best known label for textiles tested for harmful substances on a global level. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 focused on the development of methods for testing of pH, dangerous substances like heavy metals, toxic dyes, crop protection substances and carcinogenic substances like formaldehyde, phenols or pesticide in testing articles. In addition, test methods must also be in accordance with the requirements of these standards. If all components of a textile comply with the requirements of the Oeko-Tex criteria catalogue without exception, the textile manufacturer receives certification and is entitled to use the Oeko-Tex label to mark the products in the shops. The Ecolabel and Oeko-Tex Standard recognition and purchases of ecolabelled products is the criteria used as "guidance tools" and key indicator for development and sustainability of the textile industry. Institutes as participants of certification by Oeko-Tex standard are one of the most important factors. Based on their expertise and competence, testing and compliance statement, the customer is able to gain insight into 4 the quality of the product due to the impact on human health and the conditions of production including the environment