As awareness grows about the impact of chemicals and hazardous substances on human health and the environment, consumers are increasingly seeking assurances about the safety and sustainability of the products they buy. The OEKO – TEX® STANDARD 100 certification assures that textiles are free from harmful chemicals, including potentially toxic flame retardants, which could pose risks to health.

What is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100?

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is one of the most recognized and respected certifications for textiles worldwide. It is an independent testing and certification system that ensures textiles are free from harmful substances that could adversely affect human health. Established by the OEKO-TEX® Association in 1992, the certification applies to all stages of textile production – from raw materials to finished products.

Products bearing the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 label have been rigorously tested for over 100 harmful substances, including heavy metals, pesticides, allergens, and carcinogenic dyes. The aim is to protect consumers – particularly vulnerable groups like babies and children – from exposure to chemicals that could cause health issues.

How Does OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Work?

The testing process for OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 involves a series of detailed analyses of both the raw materials and finished textile products. The certification is awarded after the product has been tested for a broad range of harmful substances, including but not limited to:

• Heavy metals (e.g. lead, cadmium)
• Pesticides
• Formaldehyde
• Flame retardants (e.g. PBDEs, PBBs, TCEP, TDCPP)
• Allergenic dyes and chemicals

For a product to receive OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification, it must meet stringent criteria across all these areas. The certification includes four different product classes based on the intended use of the textile:

• Class I: Products for babies and toddlers (e.g. diapers, sleepwear)
• Class II: Products in direct contact with the skin (e.g. clothing, bed linens)
• Class III: Products that are not in direct contact with the skin (e.g., upholstery)
• Class IV: Decorative textiles (e.g., curtains, cushions)

A lower Class denomination (such as Class I or II) indicates more rigorous testing requirements, such as for vulnerable groups like infants who are more sensitive to chemical exposure.

Why OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Matters for Flame Retardant Clothing

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 provides an essential safeguard by ensuring that textile products are free from harmful flame retardants, helping to mitigate the risks associated with chemical exposure. Manufacturers seeking OEKO-TEX® certification are encouraged to explore safer alternatives to toxic flame retardants and this practice is what sets Tarasafe apart from other manufacturers in the protective workwear segment.

Achieving Oeko-Tex Certification: Tarasafe’s Sustainable Step Forward

Tarasafe International Pvt Ltd. has been granted the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification on the product Class-II (Annex-4) and the right to use the trademark. Both manufacturing units of Tarasafe – Kolkata & Ahmedabad – are covered under the scope of this certificate. Certification covers woven fabrics using multi-blend FR Viscose / meta-aramid / wool /para-aramid / polyamide / antistatic nylon yarn. Some garments may use fabrics with a flame-retardant finish accepted by the OEKO-TEX® Association or fibres accepted by OEKO-TEX® having flame retardant properties. Moreover, all accessories (e.g. buttons, zippers, labels, etc.) used by Tarasafe are also certified to meet the stringent safety requirements of OEKO-TEX® Standard 100.

Conclusion

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is a critical certification that helps protect consumers from harmful chemicals, including toxic flame retardants, in textiles. As consumers continue to prioritize health and environmental concerns, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is more important than ever in helping brands create safer, more sustainable products.