New Oeko-Tex rules for PFAS and organic cotton
Swiss testing, labelling and certification body Oeko-Tex has issued fresh guidelines for a number of its standards, all due to come into effect during the first quarter of this year after a transition period.
A brand-new certification for organic cotton, Oeko-Tex Organic Cotton, is among the most significant changes and will enter into effect in April. All textiles bearing the label must have undergone a multi-step verification process, including a DNA-based analysis of samples to check for genetically modified (GMO) fibres, followed by tests to determine the exact extent of GMO cotton, if present.
“What’s new,” commented secretary general Georg Dieners, “is that we will start checking for GMO cotton at the beginning of the supply chain”, which he said would help facilitate raw material traceability by enabling the organisation to follow the flow of goods “at all stages”.
In keeping with momentum building elsewhere in the industry, Oeko-Tex has also initiated a general ban on the use of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) across textiles, leather and footwear certified under its Standard 100, Leather Standard and Eco Passport labels.
The organisation will host three different webinars over the coming days to explain all the changes, first in Chinese on January 13, followed by both German and English-language versions on January 16. Register here.
