Oeko-Tex Certification for Eri Silk, Major Standards, Importance

The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), functioning under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), has achieved the prestigious Oeko-Tex certification for its Eri Silk. This achievement is a major milestone for India’s traditional textile industry and highlights the growing global demand for sustainable, eco-friendly, and chemical-free fabrics.

What is Oeko-Tex Certification?

Oeko-Tex is an internationally recognized certification system for textiles and leather products. It ensures that products are tested for harmful substances and manufactured through environmentally responsible processes. The certification is widely trusted across the world for maintaining product safety, sustainability, and social responsibility standards.

Major Oeko-Tex Standards

The Oeko-Tex certification system includes several international standards that focus on textile safety, sustainable production, environmentally friendly manufacturing, and the elimination of harmful chemicals from textile products.

• STANDARD 100 by Oeko-Tex: This is one of the most recognized textile safety certifications globally. It tests textiles, fabrics, threads, dyes, and accessories for harmful substances such as heavy metals, formaldehyde, pesticide residues, and azo dyes. The certification ensures that textile products are safe for human use and skin contact.
• MADE IN GREEN by Oeko-Tex: This certification confirms that textile products are manufactured using environmentally friendly processes and under socially responsible working conditions. It also provides traceability through product IDs or QR codes, ensuring transparency in the supply chain.
• LEATHER STANDARD by Oeko-Tex: This standard applies specifically to leather products and checks them for harmful chemicals and toxic substances. It ensures leather goods like bags, belts, footwear, and jackets are safe, skin-friendly, and meet international safety standards.
• STeP by Oeko-Tex: STeP stands for Sustainable Textile and Leather Production. It certifies manufacturing facilities that follow sustainable practices, proper chemical management, safe working conditions, waste treatment systems, and energy-efficient production methods.
• ECO PASSPORT by Oeko-Tex: This certification verifies that dyes, chemicals, and textile auxiliaries used during production are environmentally safe and free from hazardous substances. It supports responsible chemical management in the textile industry.
• DETOX TO ZERO by Oeko-Tex: This initiative helps textile manufacturers eliminate hazardous chemicals from production processes. It monitors wastewater quality, chemical usage, and environmental performance to promote sustainable and pollution-free textile manufacturing.

‹ ›

Importance of Oeko-Tex Certification for Eri Silk

The Oeko-Tex certification is highly significant for Eri Silk because it:

• Increases global market acceptance
• Promotes sustainable textile exports
• Encourages eco-friendly fashion trends
• Supports tribal and rural livelihoods in North-East India
• Enhances India’s image in sustainable textile production
• It allows Indian exporters to compete in high-end markets that prioritise chemical-free products.
• It confirms that Eri Silk meets international safety, environmental, and quality standards, enabling its entry into premium eco-conscious markets.

About Eri Silk

Eri Silk is a unique, cruelty-free and eco-friendly silk produced mainly in North-East India, known as “Ahimsa Silk” because it is obtained without harming the silkworm and is widely valued for its sustainable production and natural comfort properties.

• Eri Silk is the world’s only vegan silk, as the silkworm naturally leaves the cocoon before processing begins.
• It is also known as Ahimsa Silk due to its non-violent and ethical production method.
• It is primarily produced in Assam and other North-Eastern states such as Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• The production of Eri Silk is deeply linked with the traditional livelihoods of tribal communities in the North-East region.
• The process of producing Eri Silk is called Ericulture, where silkworms are reared mainly on castor plants.
• Since cocoons are naturally open, the silk is spun into yarn instead of being reeled like conventional silk.
• It is highly eco-friendly as it requires minimal chemicals and water during processing.
• Around 20 liters of water is sufficient to convert 1 kg of raw Eri fiber into yarn.
• Eri Silk has natural temperature-regulating properties, making it suitable for both warm and cold climates.
• It is durable, washable, anti-fungal, and comfortable for long-term use.
• Unlike other silks, it has a softer texture and a more matte, less shiny appearance.