Ökotex 100 Standard

Textile products of all processing stages, from yarns to finished fabrics as well as finished articles, are basically suitable for certification according to the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100.

If a textile article has been awarded the STANDARD 100 label, you can be sure that all components of this article, i.e. also all threads, buttons and other accessories, have been tested for harmful substances and the article is therefore harmless to health. The testing is carried out by our independent OEKO-TEX® institutes on the basis of our comprehensive OEKO-TEX® criteria catalog. In the testing procedure, they take into account numerous both regulated and non-regulated substances that could be harmful to human health.

In many cases, the limit values set for STANDARD 100 exceed national and international requirements. The criteria catalog is updated at least once a year and expanded to include new scientific findings or legal requirements.

Product class 1 includes products for babies and has the strictest requirements and limit values.
All yarns from Atelier Zitron are product class 1 certified.

GOTS

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) was developed by leading standard setters to define globally recognized requirements for organic textiles. From the harvesting of raw materials to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing and labeling, GOTS-certified textiles provide credible assurance to consumers.

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is recognized as the world's leading standard for the processing of textiles made from organically produced natural fibers. GOTS incorporates both environmental and social criteria throughout the textile production and supply chain. Independent certification companies support the textile standard in its credibility.

The GOTS certification is characterized by four distinctive and unique features:
The certified textiles are made of organic fibers.
Ecological and social standards must be observed in textile production.
All processing stages are included.
Certification is carried out by independent certification companies.

RWS

The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) seal certifies products made from sheep's wool and contains criteria for sheep farms in particular. This is therefore an animal welfare seal. Nevertheless, the specifications refer to the entire supply chain, so that minimum social standards in spinning mills and textile factories must also be met.

The most important criteria at a glance:
The sheep have access to clean drinking water at all times and receive sufficient feed based on their age-appropriate needs.
The physical condition of the sheep is checked using 25 to 50 randomly selected animals.
There is good air exchange in the barn, neither heat nor cold, the sheep have access to shaded areas, electric fencing and mesh fencing provide no risk of injury.
Mulesing is prohibited.
Branding (including on the horn) is prohibited, ear tags allowed only under conditions.
Farmers must minimize the use of pesticides on grazing land.
All companies in the production chain must offer fair working conditions and pay to their employees.
Exploitation and child labor are prohibited.

RMS

The Responsible Mohair Standard (RHS) seal certifies products made from mohair wool and primarily contains criteria for mohair goat farms. It is therefore an animal welfare seal. Nevertheless, the requirements relate to the entire supply chain, meaning that minimum social standards must also be observed in spinning mills and textile factories.

The most important criteria at a glance:
Traceability of mohair fibers from the farm to the end product
The five freedoms of animal welfare are protected with reference to standards and best practices
Freedom from hunger, thirst and malnutrition: Animals have free access to fresh water and are fed food that maintains their full health and vitality.
Freedom from discomfort: Animals are provided with a suitable environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
Freedom from pain, injury and illness: Diseases and injuries to the animals are prevented or quickly diagnosed and treated by veterinary care.
Freedom from fear and suffering: The animals live in conditions that avoid psychological suffering.
Freedom to act out normal behavior: The animals are given sufficient space and the company of conspecifics (provided they are not loners).
Maintaining soil health: RHS farms use advanced land management practices to protect soil health, biodiversity and native species.
Protection of social welfare: Social welfare, working conditions and the health and safety of workers are taken into account.
Proof of chain of custody: Certification ensures that the identity of the RMS maize is maintained from the farm to the final product.
Credible certification: A professional, independent certification body audits every stage of the supply chain.
Trustworthy communication: Only products that meet all requirements may be labeled with the RMS logo.
Stakeholder engagement: The RMS is managed with input from farmers, animal welfare experts, land use experts, brands and retailers from around the world.

EXP - Chlorine-free treatment

EXP is short for "EX-Pollution".
EXP stands for the elimination of the pollution that is otherwise common in wool finishing. Despite the fact that the finished wool can be machine washed at the highest level (5x5A), the EXP process does not involve the usual chlorine treatment. EXP even allows the processed merino garments to be dried in the tumbler.

EXP certified yarns are finished in a specially developed felt-free process that is free of harmful substances, further enhancing their natural qualities.
This innovative technology makes it possible for natural wool yarns to be machine washable and dryer safe.
This transforms hand-knitted wool garments into highly modern functional clothing.
The process is unique and meets the standards of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
Austermann's sock yarns are finished using this process.