Just 6% of Brits have heard of the eco-standard
28/02/2008
According to UK-based textile testing laboratory Shirley Technologies Limited (STL), 94% of consumers in the UK have never heard of the Oeko-Tex standard, despite it being the ecological standard for 6,500 textile manufacturers across 80 countries. By contrast, 46% of people in Germany are familiar with the standard.
Scotland was least aware of Oeko-Tex labelling (4%), followed by the north of England and the Midlands (both 5%) and the South East (6%). Wales and the South West of England were the most aware, although just 7% of the population had heard of the standard. Research found that women (7%) were almost twice as likely to recognise the labelling as men (4%).
Meanwhile, 42% of the same respondents said they would be willing to pay more for clothing and textiles if there was evidence that they were free from harmful chemicals both for the consumer and for employees making them. Products must pass strict ecological tests before they are allowed to carry the Oeko-Tex label.STL spokesperson Phil Whitaker says: "Ironically, while many manufacturers are claiming green credentials to try to drive sales - and nearly half of consumers are saying they will pay more for ecologically certificated products - Oeko-Tex is the only scientific certification and proof of their commitment, but retailers are yet to fully adopt it.
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