2021 New Regulations from OEKO-TEX®
OEKO-TEX® have released their new regulations. Following a three-month transition period, the new regulations for the OEKO-TEX® product portfolio will come into effect on 1st April 2021 for all certification systems and other services.
At the start of the year, the OEKO-TEX® Association updates the test criteria, limit values and requirements for its range of certification services and labels.
“OEKO-TEX® aims to provide customers and partners with the best possible services and certifications. For this reason, the test criteria for OEKO-TEX® standards are updated at least once a year based on new scientific information or statutory requirements. A special project in 2021 will be the integration of the carbon and water footprint into our MADE IN GREEN label”, explains Secretary General Georg Dieners.
An overview of the most important changes and innovations are given below:
Recycled materials in STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®
In times where we can recognise the devastating effects of climate change and our depleting resources of raw materials, there is an increased demand for fashion and textile products made of recycled materials. OEKO-TEX® has developed an approach to integrate recycled materials for greater sustainability as part of STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®.
LEATHER STANDARD by OEKO-TEX®: Chrome- and metal-free tanned leather
As part of the LEATHER STANDARD by OEKO-TEX®, OEKO-TEX® partner institutes will in future also certify chrome and metal-free tanned leather. These natural products are tested for tanning metals with different limit values and receive a special mention in the scope of the certificate.
MADE IN GREEN and STeP by OEKO-TEX®
Certification is proving to be increasingly in demand - the sustainable label for textiles and leather articles MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX® is once again the strongest-growing OEKO-TEX® product. Compared to the previous year, the number of valid labels rose by 267% (as at 31/12/2020).
OEKO-TEX®'s objective for 2021 is the systemic integration of the carbon and water footprint into the MADE IN GREEN label. This will enable consumers to find out directly, by scanning the label of each product, what impact the manufacture of the respective article has on our ecosystem.
New and updated limit values
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) are industrial chemicals that are mainly used in coatings for textiles such as outdoor clothing. Based on a recent EU risk assessment, OEKO-TEX® has also changed its limit values for PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and salts as well as PFOA-related substances. In ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been added to the CAS number screening for respirable size particles.
In this context, STeP by OEKO-TEX® MRSL has also been expanded to include titanium dioxide (TiO2) for respirable sized particles. OEKO-TEX® has been part of a ZHDC team that recently published the first ZDHC white paper on air emissions. As part of the harmonization process, OEKO-TEX® has tightened the Sulphur dioxide (SO2) limits for air emissions from solid and liquid fuels as part of STeP by OEKO-TEX®. Overall, the strict requirements for residues in textile materials also lead to a lower impact on the environment, employees and consumers.
New substances under observation
OEKO-TEX® is also observing various substances in 2021 based on the latest scientific findings and conformity with relevant specifications. This primarily concerns some substances newly classified as SVHC, which, according to the REACH regulation for the protection of human health and the environment, have been identified as having particularly hazardous characteristics. These include diisocyanates, which can trigger allergic reactions through skin contact and inhalation. The chemical compounds dibutyltin bis(acetylacetonate), 2-methylimidazole and 1-vinylimidazole will also be closely examined in the future.
Should you have any queries about any OEKO-TEX® certification or service, or should you like more information surrounding the updates, please contact us on +44 (0) 161 869 1610 or at enquiries@shirley.co.uk