PFI to test against Oeko-Tex leather standard from January
19/12/2016
As a result, PFI has accreditation to begin formal testing of semi-finished and finished leather, as well as of shoes and leathergoods, to check they meet the requirements of the Oeko-Tex leather standard. This new leather standard was launched at a meeting of the general managers of Oeko-Tex institutes at the start of November.
These requirements take into account legislation (including the demands of REACH in Europe and of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act in the US) on restricted and prohibited substances such as azo dyes, chromium VI, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, cadmium, perfluorooctanesulphonic acid, and so on. Oeko-Tex says its leather standard also covers “numerous hazardous chemicals” that are not (or not yet) subject to statutory regulations.
The intended use of leathers or leather products also constitutes an important criterion in testing. The greater the degree of skin contact a product is likely to have, the stricter the human-ecological requirements that these products have to comply with.
“The testing and certification system is of relevance for tanneries, finished product manufacturers, traders and sourcing offices,” PFI said on making the announcement. “The Oeko-Tex leather standard is awarded only if all components of a product fulfil the specified criteria.”
This means that a shoe, for example, made from responsibly produced leather that meets Oeko-Tex’s criteria, can still fail if a non-leather component such as a metal eyelet used in combination with the leather fail to meet its own specific Oeko-Tex criteria.
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