Oeko-Tex® Standard 100
The mid-1980s saw increased significance attached to the issue of the potentially harmful effects of textile and clothing products. In collaboration with medical experts, the ÖTI developed a testing and certification system (under the name "tested to ÖTN 100 Standard") to verify the harmlessness of textiles from the viewpoint of human ecology.
To establish these activities on an international basis, the ÖTI formed the 'International Oeko-Tex® Association' in conjunction with the Hohenstein Research Institute in 1992.
Textile-based raw, intermediate and finished products from all processing stages are tested for legally banned and regulated substances, chemicals potentially posing a risk to health and health care parameters.
The assignment of a tested textile product to one of the four Oeko-Tex® product classes is based on the use of the textile. The strictness of the human ecology requirements that a product must satisfy increases with intensity of skin contact.
The manufacturer is able to give successfully tested products and product groups the Oeko-Tex® label or acquire it in another form, provided comprehensive laboratory testing has verified that all integral parts (including accessories) satisfy the test criteria required without exception. A certificate issued applies for a period of one year and can be extended as often as required.
