What is the OEKO-TEX Certification?

OEKO-TEX offers six different certifications that determine thresholds for human and planetary health in different industries. The six certifications are Made in Green, the Standard 100, the Leather Standard, the STeP (Sustainable Textile and Leather Production), Detox to Zero, and ECO Passport. These standards – while they focus on different materials – all involve the avoidance of harmful substances and the identification of responsible production facilities. 

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Is it regulated?

Yes. All six OEKO-TEX certifications require tests and audits to demonstrate alignment. Products with the OEKO-TEX Certification underwent a significant audit of the materials and ingredients used to make them – not just any product can slap the OEKO-TEX logo on its label!

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How does it work?

Companies can apply through the OEKO-Tex application form. The test criteria include an audit of all the components and materials of the product, and the company must demonstrate positive and regular quality assurance measures. The regulations prohibit azo dyes, formaldehyde, nickel, and other known carcinogens. The requirements are more or less strict depending on the purpose of the product. The classes range from products for babies, to products with direct skin contact, to home textiles. A company can hold the certification for 12 months – indicated with a product label. Recertification requires the same process, and mandatory company visits for product audits occur in a three-year cycle. 

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What kind of products have this certification?

As we mentioned before, different materials can use different OEKO-TEX certifications. However, most of the certifications focus on textiles. You can find the certification on bed sheets, mattresses, duvet inserts, tampons, bathrobes, and other products. 

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So… is a company “good” if it has this certification?

“Good” is subjective! What we can tell you, though, is that this certification guarantees that every component of a product has been tested for potentially harmful substances such as pesticides, heavy metals, and formaldehyde, which would predominantly impact the people working at manufacturing facilities. This certification tells us that the product is relatively harmless to human health, which is great for the people who make the products AND the people who use them.

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Still want to learn more? Check out some of our favorite references:

OEKO-TEX Certification

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