If you’ve ever seen “OEKO-TEX®” on a bedding label and wondered what it actually means, here’s the clear answer:
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is a third-party certification for textiles tested for harmful substances—from yarn to finished product. A product with the STANDARD 100 label has passed safety testing and is considered harmless to human health under the standard’s criteria.
That matters a lot for bedding, because bed sheets and pillowcases spend hours in close contact with your skin.
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, in plain English
When a product is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified, it means:
- It’s been tested for harmful substances (safety-focused testing).
- Testing applies to the whole product, including threads, buttons, accessories, etc.
- The limits are stricter when skin contact is more intensive.
- The criteria/limit values are reviewed at least once a year.
OEKO-TEX notes the testing covers a list of 1,000+ substances, and the idea is to reduce exposure to substances that could be harmful.
The 4 OEKO-TEX® product classes (why bedding standards are strict)
OEKO-TEX® tests are based on how the textile is used—the closer it is to skin (and the more sensitive the user), the stricter the requirements.
- Product Class 1: Babies & toddlers (strictest)
- Product Class 2: Direct skin contact—bed linen is listed here
- Product Class 3: No direct skin contact (e.g., jackets)
- Product Class 4: Home/decor textiles (e.g., tablecloths)
Because sheets touch your skin all night, bedding is typically held to skin-contact expectations.
OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN vs STANDARD 100 (not the same thing)
People often lump these together, but they’re different:
STANDARD 100 = “Tested for harmful substances”
This label is mainly about product safety (what’s in the finished textile and components).
MADE IN GREEN = “Tested + more responsible production + traceable”
OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN indicates the product is:
- Tested for harmful substances
- Made in more sustainable conditions and socially responsible workplaces
- Traceable (via QR code/product ID)
OEKO-TEX also states MADE IN GREEN includes testing of components and gives examples of substances they look for (like certain dyes, heavy metals, pesticides), and that criteria are updated annually.
What OEKO-TEX® certification does not mean
This part is important (and commonly misunderstood):
- It doesn’t automatically mean the textile is organic.
- It doesn’t mean every sustainability topic is covered (unless you’re looking at a broader label like MADE IN GREEN, which adds environmental/social and traceability elements).
How to verify an OEKO-TEX® label (quick check)
You can verify many OEKO-TEX labels by using the official OEKO-TEX® Label Check and entering the label number (it’s case sensitive), or scanning the QR code when available.
Why Venice Home cares about OEKO-TEX®
At Venice Home, we’re obsessed with the basics that affect your sleep every night: comfort, breathability, and peace of mind. OEKO-TEX certification helps back up what matters most for bedding—a safety-focused standard for textiles that stay close to your skin.