TEXTILES.ORG
OEKO-TEX presents “The Next 20” Nov. 14; keynote address
from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The International OEKO-TEX® Association, in partnership with Olah Inc., will host textile business leaders at “The Next 20,” an afternoon seminar event featuring experts who will present their visions for the industry’s next 20 years, especially with regards to sustainability and the environment. “The Next 20” will be held on November 14, 2012, from 1 to 5 p.m. at The Glass Houses, 545 W. 25th St., in New York City.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., award-winning environmental advocate and author, will deliver the keynote address to kick off the afternoon event. Kennedy is an expert on environmental law and water system preservation, both topics of significant interest to the textile industry. “Mr. Kennedy is a highly effective leader in environmental protection,” says Dr. Jean-Pierre Haug, secretary general for the International OEKO-TEX Association. “I am sure that our guests will find his presentation both informative and inspiring.”
“The Next 20” is presented to celebrate the OEKO-TEX Association’s 20-year anniversary. Founded in 1992 in response to consumer concerns about hazardous substances in textile products, the association is a collaboration of 15 highly regarded textile testing and research institutes with 60 offices in 65 countries. The association created and administers the global OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which certifies that textile products are tested to be free from harmful levels of more than 300 dangerous chemicals like pesticides, carcinogenic dyestuffs, lead, formaldehyde, and residual surfactants. More than 11,000 certificates are issued globally each year as manufacturers, brands, and retailers work to make textiles and the industry’s supply chain safer and cleaner. The association also offers the OEKO-TEX Standard 1000 certification for environmentally and socially responsible textile manufacturing facilities.
In addition to “The Next 20,” OEKO-TEX will also host its annual general managers meeting in New York City. Each year, the 15 member institutes meet to review changes in global textile safety regulations, textile chemistry, and the latest medical knowledge regarding the effects of textile chemicals on human health. They determine updates required to keep the OEKO-TEX certifications current, comprehensive and effective.