TÜV SÜD presents its new TexCheck quality scheme
Frankfurt am Main. In a double premiere, TÜV SÜD and its softlines services will debut at Heimtextil, the international home textiles trade fair, and also present a new certification mark. TexCheck stands for high quality standards and combines regulatory hazardous substance testing of textiles and clothing and on-site factory inspections that include aspects of social compliance in the country of production. Heimtextil 2011 will take place between 12 and 15 January 2011 in Frankfurt am Main. The TÜV SÜD experts can be found in Hall 4.1, Stand FOY 14.
The TexCheck scheme combines assessments of quality, hazardous substances and safety aspects. From curtains to bedlinen and table wear, textiles for interior design and decoration are subject to a host of chemical safety regulations in the various global economic regions. The TexCheck certification scheme covers all substances for all relevant markets throughout the world. The TÜV SÜD experts test the textiles in accordance with the European Chemicals Regulation REACH for the European Union, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) for the USA and retailers´ Restricted Substances List (RSL). "For a number of chemicals, TexCheck requirements are even stricter than the legal limits", explains Sven Engbert, Head of Softlines at TÜV SÜD. "Given this, textile manufacturers who can affix the TexCheck label to their products can ensure rapid market access across the world, while also distinguishing themselves clearly from their competitors in an increasingly tight market."
The certification assessment includes raw materials test and an on-site factory inspection, where TÜV SÜD experts select random samples from the production line for testing. The textile experts analyse the textiles in their laboratories directly in the country of manufacture. Before they affix the TexCheck certification mark, they also verify the fibres used. However, TexCheck does not stop at product testing: The TÜV SÜD auditors carry out annual factory inspections, focusing in particular on the quality management system established in the factory and the implementation of process improvements and social compliance practices such as labour issues, occupational safety and worker´s entitlement. The assessment is based on the classic QM standard, ISO 9001. "We set great store by assessing long-term quality standards", emphasizes Engbert. "Manufacturers benefit from the third-party certification mark by boosting the confidence of purchasing agents and retailers and gaining clear competitive edge in global sourcing." The high public profile of the TÜV SÜD Mark among consumers enhances this effect. The TexCheck certification scheme was developed for retailers and manufacturers of home textiles and apparel producers.
TÜV SÜD supports the global textile industry in implementing and safeguarding safety, quality, social and environmental standards, and is continuously expanding its testing infrastructure globally to do so. The most recent demonstration of the importance of this issue was the opening of two new TÜV SÜD laboratories in Bangladesh and Vietnam. TÜV SÜD has approximately 600 locations worldwide. "The rapid innovation cycles in the textiles industry and consumer quality expectations require continuous improvement", explains Sven Engbert. "We assist our clients in implementing a continuous improvement process by providing know-how, expertise and a global network of specialists." Questions about TÜV SÜD's presence at Heimtextil 2011 can be addressed to Ulrike Müller-Wachtveitl, Tel. +49 (0) 89 / 50 08 - 43 15, e-mail ps-marketing@tuev-sued.de
For further information visit www.tuev-sued.com/softlines |