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

<p><img src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/99761/BenMead-ep237_-libsyn-final.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="600" /></p> <p class="">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 <a href= "https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/?utm_campaign=oeko-tex&utm_medium=conscious-chatter&utm_source=pr-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OEKO-TEX®</a> Association, and Ben serves as the company’s liaison with government agencies, industry collaborations and trade associations.</p> <p><strong>“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.”</strong><br /> <strong>-Ben Mead</strong></p> <p class="">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.</p> <p class="">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.</p> <p class="">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.</p> <ul> <li> <p class=""><a href= "https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/made-in-green-by-oeko-tex"