Swiss testing and certification enterprise Testex has doubled its efforts to increase awareness around a new safety certification for the textile industry in Australia which protects against carcinogens or dangerous heavy metals in clothing.
The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, launched in Australia late last year and used extensively across Europe and the United States, has not yet gained similar momentum here despite an increase in enquiries from local textile companies.
The system for textile raw materials, intermediate and finished products works by testing products against a comprehensive catalogue of criteria and contains more than 100 testing parameters. These include specially prohibited AZO dyestuffs, carcinogenic and allergenic dyes, formaldehyde, pesticides, and extractable heavy metals.
Kate Barry of Testex said certification is open to all businesses involved in the textile supply chain and should be of interest given the current state of the market.
“The benefits of such a certification are for the consumer, manufacturer, buyer, and retailer, and it should definitely interest the Australian market, especially as nowadays there is such an increased awareness about sustainable products and production,” she said.
“Much of what the current day consumer wants from modern textiles (including bright colours, functional fabrics, fashionable accessories, easy-care, hard-wearing fabrics that keep their shape etc) is not possible without the use of chemicals and synthetic fibres, and there is a growing push from consumers for textiles that are not harmful to the health.”
Testex, which is currently working with approximately 10 Australian companies including Stretchtex, The Merino Company, and ABMT Textiles, said it will be ramping up promotion around the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 in the coming year, with appearances already lined up for the Fashion Exposed trade show in Melbourne and targeted advertising.
“We are continuing to focus and promote this label to the industry, and this includes the bigger retailers, buyers and manufacturers both here and offshore,” Barry said.
“But this will definitely give the Australian textile businesses an edge. Particularly once the consumer becomes more aware and will only consider buying products that have been certified.”
Daniela Aroche