JM Textiles - Mediatex Technical Textiles and Oeko-Tex Standard 100

ArtSystems sell the JM Textiles range of Mediatex Technical Textiles, which have many beneficial properties. These include water-resistance, fire retardence and resistance to certified standard, dirt resistance etc, as well as additionally offering viable alternatives to PVC. However, in producing these kinds of specialist finishes - which are created by the application of various chemical substances, an environmental hazard occurs as over time these chemicals are released back to the atmosphere as VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) which can cause serious health problems in humans when inhaled and absorbed into the body.

JM Mediatex Technical Textiles however are certified to Worldwide Oeko-Tex ® Standard 100, which means they adhere to strict controls on the use of chemicals and endorse the use of lower hazard substances. For example, standard 100 excludes formaldehyde, pesticides, phenols, chloromatic compounds, extractable heavy metals; and has separate specific regulation for biocides and flame-retardant treatment. All Mediatex products therefore are subjected to sctrict monitoring and measuring and can be proven to meet the international regulations on chemical use and environmental exposure limits such as REACH.

The Oeko-Tex ® Standard 100 was introduced at the beginning of the 1990s as a response to the needs of the general public for textiles which posed no risk to health. "Poison in textiles" and other negative headlines were widespread at this time and indiscriminately branded all chemicals across the board used in textile manufacturing as negative and dangerous to health.

Oeko-Tex ® certification is not merely a declaration of intent to make products less environmentally impacting. Products can only be endorsed after they have been thoroughly tested to ensure that they comply with the extensive criterea. A Chain of Custody system controls therefore to allow the constant testing of products. Only those meeting the standard at all points of manufacture will be certified. The result is confidence and transparency for all points of the product life-cycle.

Incorporating JM Mediatex Technical Textiles into your portfolio means you can offer a quantifiable and proven reduced risk to human ecology and the wider environment. Equally the specifier can have the confidence that they are meeting the environmental stipulations of the brand or organisation, as is becoming increasingly more important in the Public Sector and advertising markets.

Oeko-Tex ® Standard 100 is vitally important for applications such as enclosed structures like Gazebos and Marquees as other non-certified products may be releasing dangerous levels of VOC's into the enclosed space.

Please click here to download Oeko-Tex ® Standard 100 background information document.

Please click here to download JM Textiles Oeko-Tex ® Standard 100 certificate.

Please click here to download the white paper 'Mediatex Polyester, the alternative to PVC'

More information about the Oeko-Tex ® organisation can be found on the offical website at
www.oeko-tex.com