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- Stefanie Uhlert
Ökotex - How to ensure your textile products are ethically and environmentally friendly
What is Ökotex and why is it important?
Ökotex is a well-known standard for textiles that contains a set of rules and requirements that companies producing textiles must comply with in order to be considered Ökotex-certified. The standard was created and monitored by the international Ökotex Association to eliminate harmful chemicals and substances from the manufacture of textiles and to ensure that the products meet environmental and consumer protection requirements. From production to consumer use, rigorous testing and inspection procedures ensure that the textiles meet all requirements and are free from harmful chemicals or substances. This will keep consumers healthy from possible
Historical background: How did Ökotex come about and what were the reasons for it?
The beginning of Ökotex dates back to 1992. Back then, Ökotex was founded as an international initiative by experts from the textile industry. The reasons for this were primarily the emergence of laws and regulations aimed at reducing harmful substances in textile products. In addition, a transparent certification system should be set up with Ökotex, which should create a uniform and accepted basis for accredited companies. These include:
– Development of framework agreements
– Announcement of the conditions to be observed by textile producers
– Use of a certification program
– Try to enforce and ensure compliance with standards around the world
Certification process: How is it ensured that a product meets the Ökotex standards?
The certification process introduced by Ökotex ensures that products meet the standards of Ökotex. This process has several stages. It starts with every company interested in Ökotex having to fill out and sign a contract form. It then has to create a Technical File, a sort of catalogue, containing the materials or ingredients used to make the product. This document is also sent to Ökotex. After all, the company has to carry out regular tests and checks on its products and send the results to Ökotex. When this process is complete, the company gains the right to label its products as Ökotex certified.
Advantages of Ökotex: Why should consumers prefer products with Ökotex certification?
Ökotex-certified products meet the strictest safety standards available on the international market. Therefore, consumers benefit from more safety and quality. Although there are strict quality requirements for many textile products, not every product on the market has the Ökotex seal. Committed to complying with Ökotex certification standards, an Ökotex-certified product provides additional safety and well-being. Consumers know that when they buy an Ökotex-certified product, they do not contain any chemical residues or harmful substances. In addition, an Ökotex-certified product is also more reliable in terms of longevity and durability.
Criticism of Ökotex: Are there allegations or criticism of Ökotex? How is this handled?
Although the Ökotex initiative has a positive image as a solution for more sustainable consumption, it has also received its fair share of criticism. Some criticisms are based on a lack of transparency in certification, while others emphasize dependencies on the chemical industry. Former Greenpeace President Håken Jansson said of the initiative: “There are still many questions about where the Oeko-Tex standards will be published. I'm not sure if they're really useful to really protect people." Thus, some proponents fulfill contractual obligations and others environmental obligations, and Ökotex has to provide an adequate level of transparency to satisfy this.
Conclusion: What can we learn from the Ökotex initiative and how can we make more sustainable decisions in the future?
The Ökotex initiative has triggered a major movement towards a sense of responsibility and sustainability in the fashion sector. It is a fair and trustworthy system that creates awareness of consumer protection, worker protection and control of the production and sale of fashion items. Thanks to the Ökotex certificate, consumers can buy products that meet the high standards without hesitation. This sense of responsibility is not only widespread among producers and consumers, but also in the fashion industry in general. In addition, governments can also help to create a better and safer environment through awareness of quality and environmental protection. Thus, Ökotex has taken on an important pioneering role in the direction of green and responsible fashion.
