What are Oeko-Tex® window covering fabrics?

The cut. What are Oeko-Tex® window covering fabrics? Controlling the use of chemicals in the fabric production process.

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James Dunlop Textiles
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Photography James Dunlop Textiles
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We talk to James Dunlop Textiles about how they strive to put consumer safety and environmental responsibility at the heart of their business for peace of mind, for the client and end user.

 

Transparency in the responsible decisions which protect our customers and our planet plays a vital part in the value we offer our end consumers and we are proud to have fabric mills that are equally as enthusiastic about this goal.

 

When manufacturing fabrics whether that be for residential, commercial or the hospitality sector, a key factor is to consider any negative effects they may have on skin and health in general.  James Dunlop Textiles aims to work with mills that can provide the relevant certification that their fabrics are entirely safe for you and for the environment.

 

The certification we seek from our textile mills is Standard 100 Oeko-Tex®, that through vigorous testing, proves no harmful chemicals are released from the fabric. To attain Standard 100 Oeko-Tex® certification, the fabric has been tested and certified to be free from harmful levels of more than 100 substances known to be detrimental to human health.

Oeko-Tex® is an environmental certification system relating to the entire textile production process where there a four product classes certification can fall under – for us, it’s product class 4

 

This product class includes decoration materials. It also covers all articles including initial products and accessories used for furnishing purposes, such as tablecloths, curtains, upholstery fabrics, etc.

 

The strict criteria for certification is updated at least once a year and expanded with new scientific knowledge or statutory requirements. It’s not easy for manufacturers and customers to keep an overview of the legal situation concerning harmful substances every day – the experts from the Oeko-Tex® Institute do this for you.

The Standard 100 Oeko-Tex® – Confidence in Textiles label – is used to distinguish products that feature all the advantages of modern textiles and of course pose no health risks to the consumer.

 

Oeko-Tex® testing programs are customised to assess the materials, agents and dye-stuffs used in production. Products need to be colourfast, free of any allergenic materials, have no presence of harmful substances and deemed safe for any emission of VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) into the home’s air quality before the item can attain the distinction of an Oeko-Tex® Confidence in Textiles label.

 

It’s important to note that the greater the amount of skin contact to the textile during use, the more stringent the standards used to test it i.e. Children’s toys, clothing and soft furnishings are tested to a higher level of scrutiny, using more than 100 parameters as a basis for carefully analysing the products suitability for this level of certification.

An important attribute of Standard 100 Oeko-Tex® certified fabrics is that they do not release any harmful residues from the washing process, giving you peace of mind.

 

By selecting Standard 100 Oeko-Tex® certified curtain and blind fabrics, you can be reassured that you are making a safe and environmentally-friendly choice for your interior design project.

 

dollar curtains + blinds has specialised in crafting custom made window coverings in Melbourne for over 50 years. Contact us today, visit a store or book a free design, measure and quote. Our Interior Consultants can help you to make the perfect choice.

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