OEKO-TEX to Host "The Next 20" Seminar Event for Textile Leaders

The International OEKO-TEX Association, based in Greensboro, N.C., 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 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Glass Houses, 545 W. 25th Street in New York City.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the 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," said 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 International OEKO-TEX Association's 20 year anniversary. Founded in 1992 in response to consumer concerns about hazardous substances in textile products, the International OEKO-TEX 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.

"OEKO-TEX was a pioneer in the establishment of independent third party certifications for the textile industry," continued Haug. "While we are proud of the association's contributions during our 20-year history, we are even more interested in looking ahead. It is exciting to see the industry's growing commitment to safe textile products that are made in responsible facilities. We are confident that our certifications will play an important role in helping our clients achieve that goal."

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. The general managers determine updates required to keep the OEKO-TEX certifications current, comprehensive and effective. The general managers will also attend "The Next 20" event.

For more information, visit www.OEKO-TEX.com.