UK textile chemical supplier Avocet has received Oeko-Tex ‘active chemical product’ approval for its range of ‘Cetaflam PDP’ polyester flame retardants, which means they can now be used for all classes of Oekotex certified textiles for clothing (I-IV). The move comes shortly after the chemical formulator gained ‘Authorized Economic Operator’ (AEO) status, which is an EU initiative to implement global terms and standards concerning risk management within the supply chain and customs processes. Oeko-Tex has approved the ‘Cetaflam PDP and PDP 30 per cent pad applicable flame retardants for polyester from Avocet Dye & Chemical on its “active chemical product” list which means they can be used on all Classes (I-IV) of Oekotex certified textiles.
“We have continued to invest heavily in our flame-retardant products so that our customers can achieve durable flame-retardant finishes on polyester fabrics which will meet the strictest environmental requirements,” said Avocet’s Managing Director, Michael Lever. These flame-retardants are already widely used in the automotive, home textiles and mass transit sectors, but they are now also available for use in the apparel sector. Avocet says these finishes are resistant to 50 washes at 60oC and complement its Cetaflam DB9 durable exhaustion system for polyester which has been on the Oekotex list since May 2014. The new Oeko-Tex approved status comes shortly after Avocet was recognised with AEOC supplier status by the EU.
The international security environment and associated risks to business have changed over the years. Several initiatives to implement global terms and standards concerning risk management within the supply chain and customs processes have been created in response. In 2005, the European Union introduced the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) concept as one of the main components of the so-called security amendment of the Community Custom Code. Avocet now fulfills the stringent criteria required to meet AEOC status including customs compliance, record keeping, banking and financial solvency, besides having fully reviewed and revised site safety and security systems.
