GREENSBORO, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 8, 2006--U. S. shoppers are becoming increasingly concerned about environmental issues in all facets of their lives including the clothes they wear. In response, apparel retailers are expanding their merchandising plans to consider
not just the latest fashions but also the environmental implications of their product decisions.

The apparel supply chain affords significant opportunities for retailers to positively impact the environment. From product design to vendor selection to packaging choices, U. S. retailers are investing to understand the issues and options available to them.

"Many U. S. retailers take the sustainability issue very seriously," says Manfred Wentz, U. S. director of Oeko-Tex, an independent testing association that certifies the safety of apparel
and textiles. "European retailers successfully focused on eco-friendly and human-friendly textiles in the last decade and it is promising to see the same commitment and passion emerging here."

Oeko-Tex, one of the most highly recognized eco-labels in Europe, tests textile products and verifies that they do not contain unsafe levels of more than 100 substances that could be harmful to humans. Oeko-Tex maintains this list of restricted substances and updates it continuously to recognize advances in textile chemistry. "The textile industry is complex," says Wentz, "Responsible retailers are looking for products that are environmentally optimized in all aspects, including the chemicals used in all manufacturing processes. Retailers can then assure their customers who are, more and more, seeking out ecologically considerate products."

Recently, retailers in the United States have called upon Oeko-Tex to help them develop environmental programs. Given their textile knowledge and their positive global reputation, Oeko-Tex experts have participated on sustainability task forces and provided guidance to industry associations and environmental organizations. "Oeko-Tex is completely independent and that makes us an ideal partner and advisor," Wentz states. "We provide an objective, global perspective that retailers can trust."

About Oeko-Tex

The International Oeko-Tex Association, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, was founded in 1992 by the Austrian Textile Research Institute and the German Hohenstein Research Institutes. Currently, its membership includes 17 independent textile research and testing institutes with offices in over 30 countries. To date, more than 53,000 certificates have been issued and 7,000 companies are working with Oeko-Tex to ensure that their products are environmentally friendly and tested for potentially harmful substances. www.Oeko-Tex.com.

Copyright Business Wire 2006

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