Oeko-Tex Association, independent textile testing institutes for product safety and sustainable production, has announced that their Leather Standard has received the first certifications from sheepskin producers G.L. Bowron and Gerberei Hofbrucker. The group from Neckarsulm, Germany, will use the Leather Standard for advertising purposes across Europe.
From January 2017, the Oeko-Tex Association inspects and certifies leather products, such as all types of clothing, leather shoes, upholstery materials, as well as products that are a mixture of textiles and leather, in addition to textile products. The Oeko-Tex Association, is therefore, responding to the latest developments in the textile and leather goods market.Oeko-Tex Association, independent textile testing institutes for product safety and sustainable production, has announced that their Leather Standard has received the first certifications from sheepskin producers G.L. Bowron and Gerberei Hofbrucker. The group from Neckarsulm, Germany, will use the Leather Standard for advertising purposes across Europe.#
The requirements of the Leather Standard by Oeko-Tex criteria catalogue are almost similar stringent as those in the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex criteria catalogue. Thus, key statutory regulations as well as numerous chemicals that are harmful to health are covered, even if they have not yet been legally regulated. Moreover, the Leather Standard corresponds to the requirements from the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regarding lead.
During certification, leather products are tested with regard to formaldehyde, heavy metals such as chromium(VI), chromium, arsenic, lead and cadmium, pesticides, chlorinated phenols, phthalates, processing agents and preservatives, PFOS, PFOA, as well as banned Azo colourants and other colourants, among other things. Product features, for example colour fastness, are also tested, and an olfactory test is performed. The main component of products that are made from both leather and textiles determines the certification that applies to the product: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex or Leather Standard by Oeko-Tex. The tests, however, cover the complete product, including all textile and leather components, yarns, zip fasteners, and buttons, etc. (GK)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India