To cut a long story short, vegan microfiber is generally plastic and with Oeko-Tex 100 certification it's free from significant levels of toxic substances.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified microfiber is primarily made from synthetic, petroleum-based plastics, most commonly a blend of polyester and polyamide (nylon)
While "microfiber" refers to the fineness of the fiber (thinner than 1 denier or 1/100th of a human hair), the OEKO-TEX certification ensures that these synthetic materials have been tested and verified to be free from harmful levels of toxic substances, rather than indicating it is made from natural materials
- Polyester (approx. 70-80%): Provides the main structure, strength, and moisture-wicking properties.
- Polyamide/Nylon (approx. 20-30%): Adds density, softness, and high absorbency to the fabric.
- Recycled Polyester (rPET): Some certified products are made from recycled plastic bottles, although they are still synthetic polymers.
- Azo dyes
- Formaldehyde
- Heavy metals (In the case of these Nae Vegan brogues they're free from Chromium, which is a common metal used in the leather industry)
- PVC
It is a health and safety certification (ensuring it is safe for skin contact) rather than an environmental certification, meaning it guarantees the product is non-toxic but not necessarily biodegradable or eco-friendly.
- Structure: Under a microscope, these fibers often appear star-shaped or asterisk-shaped, which allows them to trap dust, dirt, and bacteria, making them highly effective for cleaning.
- Safety: The certification ensures that even though it is plastic, it will not release harmful chemicals into the air, soil, or onto the skin.
- Durability: The synthetic, high-density weave makes the material highly resistant to tearing and stretching.
(Header Image: NAE Vegan Men's Brogue Derby Shoes made from Oeko-Tex 100 microfiber)
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