New quality and sustainability standards for Monday April 1st. Oeko-Tex has just announced new updates for this year, with a particular focus on the control of chemicals such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS), limiting the presence of modified cotton and preventing the release of microplastics in the manufacture of fashion products.
Oeko-Tex, the label that certifies the health and ecological qualities of textiles and leathers – by guaranteeing the absence of toxic products for the body and the environment – has completed its updates for 2024. One of these is the introduction of a new value limit for total fluorine, replacing the previous parameter for extractable organic fluorine. Criteria have also been added for the alignment of microplastics, GMOs and SVHCs. The Oeko Tex website also reports that new substances of “very high concern“, such as bis(4-chlorophenyl)sulfone and the solvent 1,4-dioxane, have been added to the catalogs of limits for various Oeko Tex certifications.
New value limit for PFAS
For PFASs, which are found not only in food packaging but also in the waterproofing of our clothing, Oeko-Tex has set a new value limit of 100 mg/kg for all its certifications, in line with US regulations on these substances.
STeP to prevent the release of microplastics
In addition, the STeP standard will require certified production facilities to avoid the release of microplastics during manufacturing, helping to protect the environment and human health.
In addition, the collaboration between Oeko-Tex and ZDHC will be strengthened in 2024, offering new discounts to STeP-certified companies in the ZDHC Supplier to Zero program.
Leather Standard for improved leather traceability
As far as Leather Standard certification is concerned, the focus will be on leather traceability, in line with new EU regulations on deforestation-free supply chains.
Organic Cotton: new 5% limit for genetically modified materials
Finally, Organic Cotton certification has also undergone changes, with a new 5% limit for genetically modified materials.
Implementation of these new standards from April 1, 2024 will ensure that certified products meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
Photo : Teona Swift
