S05 Episode 237 | OEKO-TEX®, green chemistry & navigating the nuances of product labels

On episode 237, Kestrel welcomes Ben Mead, the Managing Director of Hohenstein Institute USA, to the show. Hohenstein Institute USA is one of the founding members of the OEKO-TEX® Association, and Ben serves as the company's liaison with government agencies, industry collaborations and trade associations. "Green chemistry has a kind of textbook definition around design of chemicals and processes really to help reduce or eliminate hazardous substances or the toxicity and those sort of hazard type characteristics — and so, I think that's pretty well been defined by some of the organizations that really focus on green chemistry. I think one of the other things that's important when we consider, or we do other work — is not only what goes into the actual chemical itself, but also how can that influence the impact of how it's used as well." -Ben Mead On this week's show, Ben shares more on his background working in chemistry and textiles, and some of the work he does with OEKO-TEX® today. Also, he helps explains some of the origins of OEKO-TEX® as an association, and the key differences between their certifications — STANDARD 100, MADE IN GREEN, and STeP. Kestrel also asks Ben to specify some of the ways in which OEKO-TEX® holds themselves accountable, when it comes to the validity of their labels. Ben also walks us through the layers verified in their MADE IN GREEN label — including the way it can be traced using a unique product ID or QR code, to give shoppers access to additional detailed information about the supply chain of that product. MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX® STeP by OEKO-TEX® OEKO-TEX® Follow OEKO-TEX® on Instagram > This week's episode is brought to you by OEKO-TEX® - a worldwide association of 18 independent research and test institutes that sets standards for safer textile and leather production and products. The OEKO-TEX® portfolio of independent certifications and product labels help all of us make responsible decisions to choose products that are safer, more environmentally friendly, and manufactured in a socially responsible way.  Learn more about their labels at www.oeko-tex.com.