OEKO-TEX® Certificate and Quality Control

As a manufacturer and wholesaler of garment accessories, we know that brands and clothing manufacturers increasingly have to prove the safety of every component in a garment. On this page we explain which certificate we provide, what OEKO-TEX® means for your collection and how we control quality.

OEKO-TEX® certificate for all Polkom products

An OEKO-TEX® certificate is available for all Polkom products – buttons, zips, labels, elastics, ribbons and tapes, threads and accessories. The certificate covers our whole range, not just selected article groups, so you can trim an entire garment with certified components from one manufacturer.

What OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 means

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is an internationally recognised testing and certification system for textile products and accessories. Certified articles are tested by independent laboratories for harmful substances – for example banned azo dyes, formaldehyde, heavy metals, nickel release and other regulated chemicals. The requirements depend on the intended use: the closer the contact with the skin, the stricter the limit values, and they are strictest for articles for babies and small children.

For you as a brand or clothing manufacturer, this means:

• components tested for harmful substances and suitable for skin contact;
• trims you can also use in sensitive products such as babywear and children's clothing;
• easier preparation of documentation for the finished garment and for retailer requirements;
• more trust from end customers who look for the OEKO-TEX® label.

The exact scope of the certificate for a specific article is stated in the document we provide.

A certificate for your article or order

We provide certificates on request – for the specific article or for your order. State the code or description of the model and we will send you a copy of the certificate before you order.

GRS certificate and recycled products

In addition to OEKO-TEX®, Polkom holds a GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certificate and offers products made from recycled materials. GRS is an international Textile Exchange standard that verifies the recycled content of a product and its traceability through the entire supply chain, together with social, environmental and chemical requirements in production.

• verified recycled content with traceable origin;
• documentation for your sustainability reporting and brand requirements;
• the option to combine recycled articles with OEKO-TEX® certified components.

Mention in your inquiry that you need recycled articles with GRS certification – we will suggest suitable models and send you the documentation.

Compliance with European requirements

We work for the European Union market and select our materials and suppliers so that the articles are aligned with the requirements of European legislation, including the REACH Regulation on chemical substances. This is particularly important for metal trims, coatings and dyed materials that are in direct contact with the skin.

If your brand or a client requires specific test reports, declarations or composition information, state them in your enquiry. We will check what documentation is available for the chosen article and provide it to you or suggest an alternative.

How we control quality

The quality of a trim shows during garment production and later during wear and washing. That is why we check articles against the parameters that matter in practice:

• size and tolerances – diameter, thickness, zip length, ribbon width;
• colour against the approved sample;
• surface and finish – free from scratches, bubbles and irregularities;
• function – smooth slider movement, secure closing of snap buttons and eyelets;
• conformity with the ordered specification and quantity.

Natural materials and acceptable variation

Some of our buttons are made of natural materials – corozo, wood, horn, mother-of-pearl, bone and coconut. With these, each button has its own pattern and a slight difference in shade and texture. This is not a defect but a characteristic that makes the detail authentic. When approving the sample, we show you the expected range of variation so there is no gap between expectations and the bulk delivery. With synthetic materials such as polyester and urea, colour and shape are much more uniform and can be matched more precisely to a fabric sample.

The sample as a guarantee

For custom production, we always start with a sample that the client approves. The approved sample becomes the reference standard for bulk production and the basis for comparison when the goods are accepted. You will find more about the process on the Services page.

Request the certificate for your article

Send an enquiry with the article code or description, the quantity and the type of document you need – OEKO-TEX® certificate, declaration or composition information. As the manufacturer, we will reply quickly and attach the documentation for the chosen model. Request the certificate for your article by email or phone.