AX® Materials: Leading the Way in Safe and Sustainable Glove Materials
AX® Materials is committed to creating high-quality glove materials that prioritize safety for both consumers and the planet. By staying ahead of global chemical regulations and investing in industry-leading sustainability certifications, we ensure our materials meet the highest standards for product safety and sustainable manufacturing.
As part of this commitment, we’ve been on a mission to achieve the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certification for all materials in the AX® Materials range.
This mission is well underway with our Vietnam-made materials (pending two!) now joining our list of OEKO-TEX® certified materials from Korea and China.
What is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100?
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is one of seven certifications offered by OEKO-TEX®, a global organization dedicated to testing textiles and leather products for harmful substances. This certification is among the most trusted in product safety, ensuring materials are free from thousands of substances deemed unsafe to both human health and the environment.
The list of restricted substances includes banned azo colorants, pentachlorophenol, PFAS, PFCs, cadmium, and lead.
The Testing and Certification Process
To obtain the Standard 100 certification, manufacturers submit their materials to an independent OEKO-TEX® partner institute for testing. Products that pass are awarded the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 label with ongoing audits and re-testing required to maintain compliance.
The test methods are tailored to the material’s “product class,” which is determined by its intended use and the level of skin contact it will have with the end consumer.
Materials designed for direct skin contact (such as those used in gloves) must meet the stricter requirements of Product Class 2.
Benefits of OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certification
The OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification offers numerous advantages. It ensures compliance with global safety regulations, including annexes XVII and XIV of the REACH directive, CPSIA, and the ECHA-SVHC candidate list, simplifying access to international markets. Additionally, the certification enhances consumer trust by providing a widely recognized label synonymous with safety and reliability.
This latest achievement reflects our commitment to developing glove materials that are safe, and environmentally friendly without compromising performance or durability. Each certification moves us closer to a healthier and more responsible future for our industry.
To explore our complete collection of OEKO-TEX® certified materials, visit the AX® Materials product page and look out for the OEKO-TEX® icons on our material tech pages.
