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Updated OEKO-TEX Test criteria
coming into force on April 1
The OEKO-TEX Association
has as usual updated
the applicable test criteria
and limit values for testing
textiles for harmful
substances according to
OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
The new requirements will
come into force on April 1.
The regular re-evaluation of the
test parameters is based on current
market and product developments,
new toxicological findings and new
legal requirements, also taking into
consideration the REACh legislation,
including the SVHC substances
relevant to textile manufacturing
which have been added in 2011.
The OEKO-TEX criteria catalogue
stipulates the following
amendments:
• With respect to the current version
of the REACh candidate list
and the current consultations, wet
spun fibres and coatings will in future
be tested for n-methyl-pyrrolidone
and dimethylacetamide. Both
chemicals are listed in the new category
“Solvent Residues” and must
not exceed a limit value of 0.1%
weight by weight.
• In addition, relevant test samples
must also be tested for four new
plasticisers: di-C6-8-chain alkyl
phthalates, di-C7-11-chain alkyl
phthalates, di-n-hexyl phthalates
(DHP) and bis(2-methoxyethyl)
phthalates. These will be incorporated
with the phthalates already listed
in the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. The
total limit value of 0.1% weight by
weight shall remain unchanged.
• In analogy to the existing ban
on alkylphenolethoxylates (APEO)
within the framework of certification
of environmentally-friendly production
sites according to OEKO-TEX
54 | The Textile Magazine jANUARY 2012