Bekaert Textiles bags OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certificate

To have a restful and relaxing night of sleep is one of the most important pre-requisites for the energy and performance efficiency of the human being. Taking this principle as its starting point, the Belgian Group Bekaert Textiles NV has focused its activities on the production of innovative mattress textiles. Nearly all the products of the leading supplier in this segment comply with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 human ecology requirements.

Innovations for healthy sleep

Today's demands on mattresses are high - and indeed - a human being spends around one third of his/her life in bed. Therefore mattresses should be as comfortable, durable and easy to maintain as possible.

These quality products also have special temperature-regulating properties and provide the best possible support to our health. From a holistic product perspective, modern mattress textiles contribute greatly to meeting these challenges.

According to Catherine Vandeputte, HSEQ coordinator at Bekaert Textiles, focuses on innovative concepts: "We are the leading worldwide supplier of intelligent mattress textiles. It is our mission to create modern mattress textiles adapted to all requirements and still incorporate fashion aspects into our product development."

Experience and expertise

Bekaert Textiles is one of the technology leaders in the development and production of woven and knitted mattress fabrics. The company was founded in 1892 by Ivo Bekaert in Vichte/Belgium. In 1955 a subsidiary was established in Australia.

Following a period of ownership by WR GRACE during 20 years (1972-1992) and Gamma Golding during 20 years (1992-2012), Bekaert Textiles is now a part of Gilde/Parcom and operates globally.

The company is based in Belgium, where the HQ, BTEU management, the development department and its associated product innovation department are located. The company employs around 1,100 people in a total of 7 locations. Bekaert Textiles has two European production locations in the Czech Republic and Turkey.

Versatile and harmless

About 95% of the Bekaert Textiles range produced in Europe meets the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 human ecology requirements, and internationally the company is one of the OEKO-TEX pioneers. Its first certificate for the wide range of mattress covers on offer was issued back in 1994.

Catherine Vandeputte is convinced of the added-value of the OEKO-TEX certification: "It is specifically in the sensitive area of home textiles where it is important for us to integrate the concepts of product safety in relation to possible pollution through harmful substances. If we consider how much time day-in day-out we spend on a mattress and what stresses it is exposed to, it would be irresponsible to disregard this aspect of quality assurance in our production."