Oeko-Tex expanding U.S. presence  

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/25/2007 12:43:00 PM

Greensboro, N.C. – The International Oeko-Tex Association, a European independent textile lab group headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, will bring together its global management team in New York at the end of October for its annual Global General Managers Conference.

The meeting is being held in the United States for the first time in recognition of Oeko-Tex’s rapidly expanding presence in the market.

Oeko-Tex provides textile testing and qualification under its Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certification, a well known global eco-label that guarantees textile products are free from harmful levels of more than 100 restricted substances. It is a voluntary system for textile fibers, yarns, fabrics, and manufactured products of all kinds.

“We have worked with many U.S. brands, retailers, and associations who have been extremely receptive to Oeko-Tex,” said Manfred Wentz, U.S. director for Oeko-Tex. “The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certification is particularly relevant to U.S. companies because of its international scope that encompasses their global supply chains.”

At the conference, Oeko-Tex general managers will verify policies and procedures, update the global restricted substances list, and identify best practices for worldwide implementation.

They will also host a cocktail reception for U.S. companies and media at the Fashion Institute of Technology on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 5:30 p.m. Companies from around the world will display their certified merchandise at the event.