In today’s world, concerns about the quality and safety of the products we use daily are rising constantly. In an age where almost everything feels instant, the need for reassurance has never been greater.
This is where product certifications play a vital role. Among the most established is the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, a label you may have already seen on different products.
But what exactly is this standard, and why does it matter?
A Brief History
The Oeko-Tex Association, now made up of 17 independent testing and research institutes, was founded in 1992. Its goal was to use laboratory testing to ensure textile products were harmless to human health.(1)
This mission led to the creation of the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, which has since become the world’s best-known and most trusted certification for textile product safety.(2)
What Is Oeko-Tex Standard 100?
According to the Oeko-Tex Association, Standard 100 is the original global safety standard for textiles. It is an independent, internationally recognized certification system that rigorously tests textiles and all their components — from threads, buttons, and zippers to linings and dyes — for harmful substances.
The label guarantees that certified products are safe for human health, often meeting criteria stricter than national and international regulations.(3)
Four Classes of Standard 100
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 divides textiles into four product classes, each with requirements based on how closely the item comes into contact with skin:
-
Product Class I – Items for babies and infants
-
Product Class II – Items with prolonged direct skin contact
-
Product Class III – Textiles with little or no direct skin contact
-
Product Class IV – Furnishing and decorative materials
The greater the skin contact, the stricter the testing and human ecology requirements.
Summary
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is more than just a label. It’s a globally trusted companion in textile safety, offering clarity and confidence to both consumers and brands. With this certification, you can be assured you’re making a safer, smarter choice for yourself and your family.