Duvet and pillow labels increasingly carry abbreviations such as OEKO-TEX, RDS and GOTS. Each one tells you something different – about safety for the skin, the origin of the down, organic fabric or working conditions in the factory. We explain what they mean and how to read them. As a manufacturer we hold all of them, so we write from experience.
At a glance
| Certificate | What it covers | What it checks |
|---|---|---|
| OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 | the finished product and its components | skin safety – testing for harmful substances |
| OEKO-TEX® STeP | the whole production site | chemicals, environment, health and safety, working conditions |
| RDS | down and feathers – from farm to product | welfare of geese and ducks, traceability of raw material |
| GOTS | fabrics made from organic fibres | organic cotton, restricted chemicals, social criteria |
| Sedex / SMETA | the whole site | labour rights, health and safety, environment, business ethics |
Product safety
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 – safe for the skin
The best-known textile certificate. An independent laboratory tests the finished product – fabric, filling, threads, zips – for harmful substances, including certain dyes, formaldehyde, heavy metals and pesticides. The closer the product is to the skin, the stricter the limits. The highest is product class I – articles for babies and small children.
Our products are certified to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 in the highest product class I – safe even for babies.
Responsible factory
OEKO-TEX® STeP – a responsible factory
STeP (Sustainable Textile & Leather Production) assesses the whole site rather than a single product. The auditor checks six areas: chemical management, environmental performance, environmental management, social responsibility, quality management, and health and safety.
OEKO-TEX® STeP certification (no. 23000847) covers our entire company.
Down and feathers
RDS – down and feathers with respect for animals
The Responsible Down Standard covers down and feathers – both goose and duck. It prohibits live plucking and force-feeding. Every stage of the supply chain – from the farm through the sorting plant to the sewing room – is certified, so you know where the raw material in your duvet comes from.
We are RDS certified (CU 853597). We refine and sort down and feathers in our own sorting plant in Pyrzowice, Poland, and we always state on the product whether the filling is goose or duck.
Organic fabrics
GOTS – fabrics made from organic fibres
The Global Organic Textile Standard is the world’s leading standard for textiles made from organic fibres such as organic cotton. It covers the whole process – from fibre to finished product – and restricts the chemicals used. A product labelled “organic” must contain at least 95% organic fibres, and “made with organic” at least 70%. GOTS also sets social requirements.
Our GOTS certification (CU 1000237) covers the whole company – we make duvets and pillows from certified organic fabrics, including under our customers’ brands.
Ethical audit
Sedex and the SMETA audit – ethics in practice
Sedex is a platform where companies share the results of ethical audits. The most widely used is SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit). An independent auditor checks four areas on site: labour rights, health and safety, environment and business ethics – talking to employees, reviewing documents and walking the factory floor.
We are a Sedex member and undergo SMETA audits. Our results are at a very high level – proof that a family company with more than a century of tradition meets the requirements of Europe’s largest retail chains.
How to check if a certificate is genuine
- Look for the certificate or licence number next to the logo – a logo without a number says little.
- Check the number in the issuer’s database (OEKO-TEX, Textile Exchange for RDS, GOTS) – you will see who and which products it covers and whether it is valid.
- Mind the scope: a fabric certificate does not automatically cover the filling, and vice versa.
- If in doubt, ask the manufacturer – a reliable supplier will readily show current documents.
For buyers and private labels
AMW certificates on your packaging
When producing under a customer’s brand, we make products covered by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, RDS or GOTS certification. We share current certificates and welcome audits at our factories.
Frequently asked questions
Does the certificate on the label cover the whole product?
It depends on the certificate. OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 covers a specific product and its components, RDS covers down and feathers, and GOTS covers fabric made from organic fibres. The certificate number on the label lets you check its scope in the issuer’s database.
What is the difference between OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and STeP?
Standard 100 tests the finished product, while STeP assesses the whole site: chemical management, environmental impact, health and safety and working conditions. AMW holds both.
Does RDS-certified down come from geese or ducks?
It can come from either. RDS covers both goose and duck down and feathers – we always state on the product which bird the filling comes from.
Can I put the certificates on my private-label packaging?
Yes, if the product is covered by the certification. When producing under a customer’s brand, we prepare OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, RDS or GOTS labelling in line with the product’s certificate.
Can we audit your factory?
Yes. Buyers and auditors are welcome at our factories in Pyrzowice and Czeladź, Poland.