News Release
HIGHLACT® Acquires OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Certifying It as One of the World's Safest Textile Products
HighChem Company Limited (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo President and CEO: Ushio Taka, hereinafter referred to as HighChem) is pleased to announce that its next-generation sustainable material, HIGHLACT® (span and filament yarns), has been certified as Product Class I under the "OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100," the world's top certification for the safety of textile products.
What is OEKO-TEX®, the world's highest international standard for textiles and leather?
OEKO-TEX® is a comprehensive certification that covers a wide range of criteria, from materials like yarns and dyes to final products, production systems including wastewater and working conditions, and even traceability. It certifies the most advanced levels of safety and credibility. This standard not only meets Japan's safety requirements but also surpasses the stricter standards and regulations of other countries, making it a top-level global standard for textile safety.
Among the certifications, the "OEKO-TEX® Standard 100" that HighChem has recently acquired surpasses Japan's safety standards, targeting over 350 harmful chemicals in its rigorous analytical testing. Only products that clear these stringent tests are awarded this certification, marking them as among the highest standard of safe textile products globally. Particularly in Europe, the presence of an OEKO-TEX® label is often verified during transactions and purchases, making it highly recognized among consumers as well. Moreover, the standards set by OEKO-TEX® vary according to the intended use of the product, with product classes ranging from I to IV. Products that are in closer contact with the skin, such as those for infants and people with sensitive skin, are subject to more stringent regulatory values.
The certification that HighChem has obtained this time is for 100% spun yarn, cotton and Tencel blend spun yarn, and 100% PLA filament yarn. In addition, in terms of product classes, we have obtained the "Product Class I" standard, which has the strictest regulatory value standards, and this standard clears the standards for products that come into contact with sensitive skin such as infants and children.
At HighChem, we are accelerating the development of HIGHLACT®, which is made from Corn-derived PLA, into apparel products in Japan and overseas. We hope that this acquisition of the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certification will serve as a catalyst for product development in the European market, where safety standards are high and there is a greater awareness of sustainability in fashion.
1. Certification obtained: Oeko-Tex® Standard 100
2. Certification category
① HIGHLACT®: PLA100% filament yarn
② HIGHLACT®: 100% spun yarn and cotton and Tencel blend spun spun yarn
3. Product class
Class I (Textile products that come into contact with infants and toddlers up to 36 months)
4. Certification number
N-KEN 22037 Nikkensen
N-KEN 22038 Nikkensen
What is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD100?
In 1992, the Oeko-Tex® International Consortium was established by Swiss, German and Austrian testing agencies to eliminate potentially harmful chemicals from in textile products. Currently, a total of 17 organizations are active: 16 in Europe and 1 in Japan. In Japan, our strictly controlled testing system and dyeing know-how are recognized, and the only certification body outside of Europe is the Nissenken Quality Evaluation Center, a Japanese general incorporated foundation.
Media inquiries regarding this release
HighChem Co., Ltd. PR Division – Eriko Kuroiwa
E-mail: kuroiwa@highchem.co.jp Phone: +81-3-5251-8580 / +81-90-6539-4213 (Kuroiwa)