OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100

The Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® is a globally recognized certification and testing system for textile products. It is administered by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile Ecology, known as OEKO-TEX®. The purpose of the standard is to ensure that textile products are free from harmful substances and safe for human use. The certification is based on comprehensive testing criteria and requirements. These criteria cover a wide range of substances, including banned or regulated substances, chemicals known to be harmful to health, and substances that are strictly regulated by law. The testing process considers all stages of textile production, from raw materials to the finished product. To obtain the Standard 100 certification, textile products are tested by independent OEKO-TEX® member institutes. The testing is carried out using standardized methods and evaluates substances such as pesticides, heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. The products must meet strict limits and guidelines established by OEKO-TEX® to be awarded the certification. The Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification can be granted to a wide range of textile products, including fabrics, yarns, garments, home textiles, and accessories. It provides reassurance to consumers that certified products have been thoroughly tested for harmful substances and comply with stringent human-ecological requirements. The certification follows a modular system with four product classes: Product Class I: This class is for textile products intended for babies and toddlers up to 36 months, including clothing, bedding, and toys. Product Class II: This class is for textile products in direct contact with the skin, such as underwear, shirts, and socks. Product Class III: This class includes textile products not in direct contact with the skin, such as outerwear and upholstery materials. Product Class IV: This class is for textile products with no direct contact with the skin, such as carpets and curtains. The Standard 100 certification is valid for one year, and regular product testing is required to maintain the certification. By displaying the Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® label on their products, manufacturers and brands can demonstrate their commitment to producing textiles that are safe, environmentally friendly, and free from harmful substances. Consumers can rely on the label to make informed choices and select textiles that have met stringent safety standards. It's important to note that the certification applies to individual products and does not cover the entire manufacturing process or environmental aspects. For broader sustainability considerations, other certifications or standards may be relevant, such as OEKO-TEX® Made in Green or other eco-labels focused on environmental and social responsibility. For specific details about the Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification, its requirements, and the testing process, it is recommended to consult the official OEKO-TEX® website.

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Sustainable Products

  • EU Ecolabel:
     Recognizes products and services that have a lower environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle, from production to disposal. The label covers a wide range of categories, ensuring that products not only meet high environmental standards but also performance requirements. The EU Ecolabel promotes Europe's transition to a circular economy by supporting products that are durable, repairable, and made with less environmental impact​​.
  • ISO 14024:
     Governs Type I environmental labeling programs, which are voluntary, multiple-criteria-based ecolabels awarded by third parties. This standard ensures that ecolabels are given based on transparent, credible assessments of environmental preferability within specific product categories. ISO 14024 emphasizes life-cycle considerations and is foundational for developing reliable and respected ecolabel programs globally​​.
  • Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC):
     An international non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification. PEFC is the largest forest certification system in the world, ensuring that timber and non-timber forest products are produced with respect for the highest ecological, social, and ethical standards​​.
  • IOS 14046:
     ISO 14046 is dedicated to water footprint assessment. It provides guidelines for conducting water footprint assessments, including the principles, requirements, and recommendations for calculating and reporting water-related impacts.
  • Fair Trade Certified:
     This certification is focused on promoting fair labor practices and better working conditions for farmers and workers around the globe. Products bearing the Fair Trade label meet rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards, ensuring that producers receive fair prices and communities benefit from sustainable development practices​​​​.

Sourcing and Compliance Consideration for Sustainable Products

Sourcing sustainable products is an integral part of modern business strategy, particularly for roles focused on sustainability, compliance, and procurement within a firm. As sustainability becomes a cornerstone of corporate responsibility, understanding and implementing sustainable sourcing practices is not just an ethical imperative but also a competitive advantage. Sustainable sourcing involves evaluating the environmental, social, and economic impacts of products throughout their life cycle—from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. This approach ensures that the products procured contribute to a sustainable future, aligning with the company's sustainability goals and compliance requirements.
The next step is to engage with suppliers to ensure transparency and compliance with sustainability criteria. This includes verifying certifications, conducting audits, and encouraging suppliers to adopt sustainable practices throughout their operations. Collaborating closely with suppliers not only enhances sustainability across the supply chain but also fosters innovation in product development, enabling the introduction of more sustainable products into the market.
For a sourcing, sustainability, or compliance manager, the journey begins with the identification of products and suppliers that adhere to globally recognized sustainability standards, such as the EU Ecolabel, ISO 14024, PEFC, and Fair Trade Certified. These labels serve as benchmarks for sustainability, indicating that the products meet high environmental and ethical standards. The selection process involves a thorough assessment of the product's life cycle, examining factors such as the sustainability of raw materials, energy efficiency during production, and the environmental impact of distribution and usage.
Implementing sustainable sourcing practices requires a multi-faceted approach, including stakeholder engagement, policy development, and continuous improvement. Managers must work across departments to integrate sustainability into procurement policies, set clear guidelines for supplier selection, and establish metrics for monitoring progress. Education and training for staff on sustainable sourcing principles are also crucial for embedding sustainability into the organization's culture.

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