Why sustainable textiles?

The interest for environmentally friendly textiles is large. Much is written about it. In nearly every dress shop, you can buy clothes with environmental claims such as unbleached, pure, natural, green, green cotton etc. The shops take much trouble to make clear to the consumer, or in any way they are suggesting, that their textile products are environmentally friendly. Although the environment is increasingly considered a big issue, not all environmental claims are the same!! Also the awareness of consumers has grown. However, the increasing interest depends on consumer confidence, particularly if a higher price has to be paid for sustainable quality.

The Skal International certification programme for sustainable textile production offers both consumers and producers the clarity they wish; unambiguous, public standards for the entire production line, and independent, objective inspection and certification. The result is a very environmentally friendly product. Skal International certified products may carry the EKO quality symbol. For the consumer, the EKO-quality symbol in the label of a textile product is a guarantee that a product has been inspected on its origin and according to a clearly defined standard of sustainability.

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What is the EKO quality symbol?

EKO is an international inspection symbol for sustainable quality. You will find EKO on most product that are certified for this sustainable textile programme. If a textile product bears the EKO-quality symbol, this means that:

The natural fibres (e.g. cotton) come from inspected organic farmers, as defined by EEC-Regulation No. 2092/91 for organic production, or NOP certified natural fibres.
In addition, the product satisfies the "Skal-International standards for sustainable textile production”.
EKO is a certification symbol, not a trademark.

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Who is Skal International / Control Union Certifications?

Skal International (as of January 2006 our name will be changed to Control Union Certifications) is an inspection and certification organisation that works worldwide. The headquarters is located in the Netherlands; with independent branch offices in Brazil, India, Peru, South Africa and Turkey and representatives in several countries around the world. Every year Skal International opens more branch offices.

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Skal International standards for sustainable textile production

The Skal International standards make following demands upon textile production: The natural fibres have to be organic. The standards explicitly reject any textiles, which contain heavy metals, which are toxic or non-degradable. The input of additives, which harm the environment, is prohibited during the total production process, and the finished products may not contain residues or harmful means. The only worthwhile sustainable guarantee is one, which inspects all the places of production and all the companies in the chain.

Our standards encompass all stages of textiles production:

raw materials origin
pre-treatment (washing, bleaching, etc.)
dyeing and printing
after treatment, storage
labelling of the final product
packing materials
social issues
haberdashery

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What does an inspection encompass?

Each company in the Skal International inspection programme is inspected at least once a year. Inspection is carried out on the spot during production and processing, by our local inspectors. The inspection process on textile issues monitors the following:

Cultivation and origin of natural fibres and processing aids
Storage
Spinning, weaving, dyeing
Sampling and residue-analyses
Import of raw materials and processing aids
Correct labelling
Inspection of quantities (comparison of purchase/sales)

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Objectivity

All our inspectors and office employees are full-time Skal International employees. This makes them independent from the companies they inspect.
Skal International is an independent inspection and certification organisation and has no members. It is no trade organisation.
Skal International is only active in inspection and certification, not in consultancy.

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Standards to test the quality of inspection

EN 45011 / ISO 65 lays down the standards according to which product certification should be performed. This standard is mandatory for all certification organisations that carry out inspection on Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91 in the EU. Skal International is accredited on EN 45011 for its organic programme, Eurepgap, and this sustainable textiles programme, among other programmes.

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The EKO benefit for traders and those responsible for products

Products bearing the EKO-quality symbol are certainly sustainable. This, you can tell your customers with a clear conscience. EKO is a respectable quality symbol for your own products, which is certain to hold its leading position in the market. Our inspections are cost-effective, international and satisfy the highest standards.

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> Why sustainable textiles?

> What is the EKO quality symbol?

> Who is Skal International / Control Union Certifications?

> Skal International standards for sustainable textile production

> What does an inspection encompass?

> Objectivity

> Standards to test the quality of inspection

> The EKO benefit for traders and those responsible for products

Why sustainable textiles?

What is the EKO quality symbol?

Who is Skal International / Control Union Certifications?

Skal International standards for sustainable textile production

What does an inspection encompass?

Objectivity

Standards to test the quality of inspection

The EKO benefit for traders and those responsible for products