Life Cycle

Step

Criterium

Expectations

Manufacturing (fibres)

Type of fibres

 All types of fibres can be used, with the exception of mineral fibres, glass fibres, metal fibres, carbon fibres and other inorganic fibres.

The criteria for a given-fibre type need not be met if that fibre contributes to less than 5% of the total weight of the textile fibres in the product, or if the fibres are of recycled origin.

Manufacturing (fibres)

Limitation of toxic residues in fibres

 Acrylic: Acrylonitrile < 1.5mg/kg

 Cotton: residues of certain pesticides < 0.05ppm

 Elastane and polyurethane: no organotin compounds

 Greasy wool and other keratin fibres: limitations of certain pesticides

 Man-made cellulose: AOX < 250ppm

 Polyester: Antinomy < 260ppm

 Polypropylene: no lead based pigments

Manufacturing (fibres)

Reduction of air pollution during fibre process

 Acrylic: acrylonitrile < 1g/kg

 Elastane and polyurethane: aromatic diisocyanates < 5mg/kg

 Man-made cellulose: S < 120g/kg (filament) and 30g/kg (staple)

Polyamide: N20 < 10g/kg polyamide 6 and < 50g/kg polyamide 6.6

 Polyester: VOCs < 1.2g/kg

Manufacturing (fibres)

Reduction of water pollution during fibre process

 Flax and other bast fibres: COD/TOC from water retting reduced by at least 75% (hemp) and

95% (flax, other)

 Viscose: Zn < 0.3g/kg

 Cupro: Cu < 0.1ppm

Manufacturing (processes and chemicals)

Limitation of the use of substances harmful for the environment (in particular aquatic environment) and health process

90% of carding and spinning oil, lubricants and finishes for primary spinning and 95% of sizeing preparations, detergents, fabrics softeners and weight complexing agents shall be sufficiently biodegradable or eliminable.

Use

Performance and durability

The following tests shall be carried out either on dyed yarn, final fabrics or final product:

 Dimensional changes during washing and drying: 8% for knitted products, 8% for terry towelling, 6% for other woven products, 2% removable and washable curtain and furniture fabric.