Webcast September 19, page-86

During yesterday’s webcast, it was stated that verification was received last week from Oeko-Tex for the AlexiCool FR/PCM product that Alexium sells into the bedding market.

Oeko-Tex is a worldwide consistent, independent testing and certification system intended to eliminate harmful substances in raw, semi-finished, and finished textile products at all processing levels.

With Oeko-Tex approval, AlexiCool FR/PCM can now be recognised as certified safe by any production chain manufacturer of mattresses, mattress pads or pillows. According to Oeko-Tex this avoids the need for repeat tests on base materials at subsequent production stages and as far as possible reduces the cost of Oeko-Tex® certification for manufacturers of end-products.

As bedding consumers are increasingly advised to be wary of “greenwashing” tactics and seek out third party certified products to ensure the products they purchase are free of harmful chemicals, retailers and manufacturers are, in turn, looking to introduce Oeko-Tex certification into their supply chains.

For example, earlier this year, Target (one of the mass brand retailers through which Pegasus Home Fashions sells its pillows) announced a new chemicals policy for suppliers aimed at eradicating harmful chemicals in certain products, including textiles. Target committed to working with supply chain partners to implement policies and practices that facilitate the responsible management of textile chemicals. One of the partners Target is working with is Oeko-Tex.

Aldi, the European based discount chain, has been promoting Oeko-Tex certified home textiles to its customers since 2009.

Mattress maker Serta states that many of the fabrics used in its mattress covers meet the Oeko-Tex 100 standard.

Having the Oeko-Tex tick of approval for Alexicool FR/PCM in bedding textiles can only help grow sales, imo.