Please tell us a bit about Pineapple Leaf Fibre, and how you see its future development in the sustainable textiles/fashion market.
Pineapple Leaf Fiber is a game-changer in sustainable textiles, sourced responsibly from pineapple leaves for its eco-friendly benefits such as biodegradability and minimal environmental impact. We see its future in the fashion market as transformative, responding to growing consumer demand for eco-conscious products. Its versatility and unique properties make it an ideal choice for brands committed to sustainable practices, paving the way for innovative and planet-friendly fashion solutions.
What are your reasons for becoming OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified?
Nextevo’s certification under OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 marks a pivotal step forward, embodying our commitment to excellence and sustainability. This certification assures consumers that our products are free from harmful substances, fostering trust and confidence in our brand. It enhances our competitiveness in the market by meeting the rising demand for safe, eco-friendly materials, setting us apart from competitors. Compliant with international safety regulations, it facilitates our global market presence and reinforces our dedication to environmentally responsible practices. Rigorous testing ensures that our products meet high-quality standards, supporting our reputation for reliability and nurturing customer loyalty. Our robust supply chain management guarantees consistent quality and safety across production processes, while the certification encourages ongoing innovation towards safer and more sustainable solutions.
Do you foresee any positive changes once you introduce the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 label in terms of brand image?
The introduction of the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 label promises significant enhancements to our brand image. It will bolster consumer trust by signaling our dedication to safety and quality standards. This certification helps us highlight our commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Moreover, it positions us favorably to attract a broader audience of environmentally-conscious consumers and partners, solidifying our reputation as a responsible industry leader.
Will your market presence increase now that you can use the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 label?
Yes, we expect our market presence to significantly increase with the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 label. This certification enhances our credibility and appeals to a broader audience seeking safe and sustainable products. It also opens up new opportunities in markets that prioritize certified eco-friendly textiles, helping us expand our reach and attract more environmentally-conscious customers and partners.
Do you have plans to expand your product line now that PALF is certified?
We plan to introduce a wider range of eco-friendly materials and collaborate with more partners in the fashion and textile industries to drive positive change. Together, we can create a more sustainable future and offer even more high-quality, certified products to our customers.
How do you assess OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 compared to other industry certifications?
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is one of the most well-known and comprehensive certifications in the textile industry, particularly for ensuring that products are free from harmful substances. It is particularly strong in chemical safety, ensuring textiles are safe for use. Most importantly, it is a widely recognized certification trusted by consumers and is usually one of the first certifications our customers ask for. Other industry certifications have a broader sustainability criteria whilst OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 focuses on product safety and is applicable to a wide range of textile products. Sustainability is covered by OEKO-TEX® STeP, the production site certification. Other industry certifications such as GOTS/OCS/GRS/RCS is specific to organic/recycled fibers, bluesign® applies to the entire textile production process, and Cradle to Cradle Certified™ spans multiple industries.
Have you received feedback from consumers or retailers since introducing the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 label?
We've received positive feedback from consumers and retailers since introducing the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 label. They value the assurance of safety and quality it provides, strengthening trust in our products. This certification also helps distinguish our offerings in a competitive market and resonates with eco-conscious customers, affirming our commitment to sustainability and the importance of transparent, certified practices in enhancing our brand's reputation.
Besides product labelling how else do you plan to communicate your OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 products? (website, point of sales etc.)
We're committed to transparently communicating the eco-credentials of our OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified products. Beyond product labeling, we leverage our website as a comprehensive resource hub, detailing our sustainable sourcing and manufacturing processes. Additionally, we also communicate with the help of our sample kits and brochures to ensure our products' sustainability story is prominently featured at empowering brands to make informed choices. Through these channels, we strive to foster trust and transparency in every step of our journey towards a greener future.
What was your experience in working with TESTEX to obtain OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification?
In 2020, we initially contacted TESTEX to request tests in line with OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 criteria. At that time, we were still reliant on manufacturers for our production, so we were not ready to pursue full certification. When we commenced our own production at Nextevo in 2024, we decided to engage TESTEX again to certify our ready-to-spin pineapple leaf fibers (RTS PALF). This decision was a no brainer due to our previous positive experience. Since 2020, Cynthia Lum has been a constant and invaluable support throughout the process. She ensured a smooth and seamless certification journey, addressing all our queries and helping us understand the certification requirements and processes involved. The process with TESTEX has been efficient and supportive, reinforcing our commitment to high standards in our product offerings.
About Nextevo International Singapore
Number of employees: less than 50
Locations: Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia
Products: Ready-to-spin fibre, PALF blended yarns, PALF blended fabrics
Website