COLMAR – Freudenberg’s Evolon fabrics are known for combining high performance technical properties with numerous ecological benefits in many durable applications. According to the independent Oeko-Tex institute, they also meet the most stringent requirements in terms of sustainability and health and safety.

Freudenberg in Colmar, France, recently received the STeP by Oeko-Tex label for Evolon along with the Made in Green label.

Certificates awarded by the independent institute are highly trusted by the textile industry because they are 100% transparent and independent. For manufacturers, they are confirmation of ecologically and socially responsible production and products – a quality characteristic that plays a growing role in the purchasing decisions of companies.

By awarding the STeP (Sustainable Leather and Textile Production) label, the Oeko-Tex institute certified environmentally friendly production processes, a high level of health and safety and socially responsible working conditions at the Freudenberg site in Colmar. The company scored top marks and reached the highest grade of certification, Level 3, for “exemplary implementation of best practices”.

“Evolon fabrics have already held the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex label for more than twenty years,” said Achraf Khedimi, head of global sales for Evolon. “This is one of the world’s best-known certificates confirming that textiles have been tested for harmful substances. Evolon meets the most stringent requirements, and is ranked in product class I for suitability for baby skin contact.”

As a result of the combination of STeP and Standard 100 certificates, Evolon meets all the requirements for the Made In Green label. This proves that a product has been tested for harmful substances and manufactured using sustainable processes under socially responsible working conditions. The certificate also confirms the complete traceability of all materials and a transparent supply chain, and thus offers consumers the highest level of safety.

Last but not least, compliance with Detox to Zero by Oeko-Tex criteria is fully achieved as part of the SteP certification. This covers chemicals management and wastewater quality, following an initiative of Greenpeace which aims at eliminating harmful substances in the textile industry.