What is Oeko-tex?

Oeko-tex is a key certification to look out for as it guarantees products to be gentle on children's skin. There are a lot of technical details relating to this internationally-recognised standard. Rather than ‘blinding you with science’, let’s explain what the certification means.

Introduced in 1992, Oeko-tex is the world’s leading textile testing association. The Oeko-tex Standard 100 in particular tests fabrics for sensitivity when in close contact with baby’s delicate skin. In addition to testing for controlled or potentially harmful substances, it also assures textiles for colour fastness (so babies are free to dribble & nibble away safely). Officially the Oeko-tex Standard 100 “tests for harmful substances”. It also is “fundamentally based on the respective purpose of the textiles and materials. The more intensive the skin contact of a product and the more sensitive the skin, the stricter the human-ecological requirements that need to be complied with.” What that essentially means, is that the closer the fabric is likely to be directly against the skin (such as bedding & underwear) and if it is intended for children under 3 years, this fabric will, therefore, undergo the very highest levels of testing. The Standard 100 is trusted because their “laboratory tests currently comprise around 100 test parameters and are based on international test standards and other recognised testing procedures". These also include for example simulation tests which take into account all possible ways by which harmful substances could be absorbed into the human body (orally, via the skin, by inhalation).” With the assurance of the highest Oeko-tex certification, you can relax knowing that the fabric close to your baby is first class for infants and tested above & beyond the normal (and still very rigorous) testing process for health-hazardous substances in children's products. Independent & always testing far beyond existing legislation, the Oeko-tex certification ensures you can be confident in your choice! Visit the Oeko-tex website for more information.