The International Oeko-Tex Association has created a new certification system for its portfolio of sustainable textile certifications.

Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex is a verification procedure by which manufacturers of textile processing chemicals and chemical compounds, such as dyes, performance additives, finishing agents, lubricants, detergents, etc., are able to confirm that their products can be used in sustainable textile production. The new program is currently in pilot mode and officially launches in early summer 2016.

Three assessments

The Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex certification programme is comprised of three assessments which are conducted in a stepwise manner. The results from each stage of evaluation are shared with applicants who can use the data to confirm internal quality control and occupational safety guidelines, as well as to reformulate if necessary to create safer, more sustainable formulations.

Firstly, manufacturers confidentially and securely disclose the chemical substances in their formulas which are compared via CAS number against the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Restricted Substance List and the Step by Oeko-Tex Manufacturing Restricted Substance List. These Oeko-Tex lists are compliant with REACH and ZDHC guidelines.

Secondly, a risk/hazard assessment is conducted in which each ingredient is evaluated against twenty-two health and environmental endpoints. Finally, an analytical verification is performed to confirm that the chemical product does not contain unintended by-products or contaminants and meets the criteria for Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex certification.

Increasing safety and protection

Products that pass all three phases are granted the Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex certification which indicates that the certified textile chemical is safe to use in Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified textile products and in STeP by Oeko-Tex certified manufacturing facilities.

In this way, Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex chemicals are said to increase textile product and process safety and help protect consumers, textile industry workers, and the environment from the negative impact of potentially harmful substances.

The International Oeko-Tex Association and its sixteen member institutes will be hosting webinars and other learning opportunities soon to ensure clients are aware of the new Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex certification and the many sustainability benefits it offers for textile chemical producers and their customers.

www.oeko-tex.com