OEKO-TEX Certification and Its Importance

To be honest, when I began Midori sustainability was not at the top of my list. Quality, however, was.

In researching fabrics, I was shocked to see how many brands used standard swim material made in the most cost-saving ways. Prioritizing profit over customers seemed common but that wasn't the way I wanted Midori to function. In 2013 I came across Xtra Life Lycra, a fabric that is OEKO-TEX 100 Certified, has CO2 Control, and is eco-friendly. I got really excited about the possibility of a brand that not only felt great but also adhered to a far higher standard than most brands.

Let's talk about OEKO-TEX Standard 100, a certification that verifies safety for humans and the environment.

I'm dating myself here, (hello 31!), but back when I was in middle school my mom and I used to head to the mall after school to go shopping. Oddly enough our trips usually ended with me complaining of a headache. What I didn't realize then, and totally should have attributed to the intense smell in so many of those shops, is that many of those clothes were saturated in formaldehyde. Since then I've always been especially sensitive to chemical smells...opening packages from lines like SHEIN and other fast-fashion brands often irritate my senses even today. As I've come to find, most brands that are sold at low costs are also made with those low cost standards. The lack of care for our well-being and overall health is appalling to me. 

So what is this whole OEKO-TEX certification about? Choosing a swimwear brand that is OEKO-TEX certified means supporting fabric safety, sustainability, and eco-friendliness.

The STANDARD 100 label guarantees every component of a textile article has been tested for harmful substances like azo dyes - ensuring your skin stays happy while you soak up the sun, it cuts out the guessing games when it comes to what's touching your body.

Have you heard about gaslighting? Something similar exists in the apparel industry; it's called greenwashing. With the rise of eco-conscious consumers, some brands may attempt to mislead customers by making false claims about their environmental friendliness. That's where OEKO-TEX' third-party certification system comes in, providing an unbiased assessment of a product's eco-friendliness and safety for humans.

OEKO-TEX certifications guarantee transparency through rigorous testing processes, so there are no more smoke and mirrors. All components in a textile article are tested for harmful substances under the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label. 

Whenever I can, I look to purchase OEKO-TEX certified clothing and it doesn't stop there either- many sustainable brands now carry those same certifications for bedding, towels, etc. too. 

When someone asks you why you choose Midori over other brands, a few things may come to mind but the elemtn I'm most excited about these days is that Midori is committed to safe, sustainable, and high-quality swimwear that won't harm our planet or your skin.

Proper Care for Certified Swimwear Materials: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let's dive in.

If you're looking to keep your OEKO-TEX certified swimwear looking fabulous and feeling great on your skin, then follow these simple care steps. Trust me, it's worth the extra effort.

Step #1: Always check the care label. It contains essential information to ensure you're treating your swimwear right.

Step #2: Use non-toxic laundry products. Not only are they better for your swimsuit, but they're also kinder to our planet.

Step #3: Hand-wash whenever possible. This gentle approach helps preserve the fabric quality and keeps harmful substances at bay.

Step #4: Avoid excessive heat. Lay flat or hang dry instead of using a dryer - this will help maintain elasticity and color vibrancy.

Caring for OEKO-TEX certified materials is easy- when you know how. Follow these steps, and enjoy safe, sustainable swimwear that lasts season after season.

Certifying Chemicals Used in Textile Production

Did you know that OEKO-TEX certifications cover more than just finished textile products?

That's right. They also certify the chemicals used in the textile and leather industries.

This ensures that your swimwear is produced using safe and eco-friendly methods.

• Azo dyes: OEKO-TEX helps to eliminate harmful azo dyes from textiles by testing for their presence during certification.
• Banned substances list updates: The organization reviews its list of banned substances annually, keeping up with the latest research on chemical safety.
• Rubber-based & leather standard products: OEKO-TEX even certifies rubber-based items like yoga mats and baby products made of natural rubber or synthetic materials. Leather goods can be certified under their separate Leather Standard program as well.

The bottom line? By choosing an OEKO-TEX certified brand, you're supporting a safer environment for yourself and our planet.

So go ahead - rock that sustainable swimwear with pride.

FAQs in Relation to Oeko-Tex

What is the Purpose of OEKO-TEX?

The purpose of OEKO-TEX certification is to ensure that textiles and apparel are free from harmful substances, safe for human use, and produced sustainably. It offers third-party verification for product safety and sustainability practices in the textile industry.

What are the Harmful Substances in OEKO-TEX?

OEKO-TEX tests for over 100 potentially harmful substances including heavy metals, pesticides, carcinogenic dyes, phthalates, formaldehyde, and allergenic colorants. The Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX criteria catalog provides a comprehensive list of these substances.

Is OEKO-TEX Reliable?

Yes, OEKO-TEX is considered reliable as it follows strict testing procedures conducted by independent laboratories worldwide. They also update their standards annually based on scientific research and regulatory changes to maintain credibility within the textile industry.

Does OEKO-TEX Mean Sustainable?

While an important aspect of sustainability in textiles involves reducing hazardous chemical usage throughout production processes, which is covered under Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, true sustainability requires considering other factors like water consumption and waste management too. For this reason, MADE IN GREEN, another label offered by OEKO-TEX, specifically addresses environmental and social aspects related to the supply chain, making it a more comprehensive indicator towards of sustainability.

Conclusion

Overall, OEKO-TEX certification is an important factor to consider when choosing sustainable and eco-friendly swimwear. Understanding the four product classes, preventing greenwashing, proper care for your certified swimwear, and chemical management with ECO PASSPORT are all essential aspects of this certification.

By supporting OEKO-TEX certified brands, consumers can play a role in driving change towards sutowardility. Some popular OEKO-TEX certified swimwear brands include Midori Bikinis and many others.

If you're looking for high-quality, sustainable swimwear that meets OEKO-TEX standards, check out Midori Bikinis. With their commitment to ethical manufacturing practices and use of environmentally friendly materials, they offer stylish options that are both fashionable and eco-conscious.