Proudly Compliant: Meeting and Surpassing International Standards

The Auskin Group proudly complies with, and exceeds, international standards that are critical to our industry. Our products are beautifully crafted, honouring nature and function. We are very proud of our
uncompromising commitment to the highest international standards in safety and quality.

OEKO-TEX

The Auskin Group has successfully gained the independent Oeko-Tex ‘Confidence in Textiles’ standard in Class 1 for Ivory, Class 2 for Ivory, and all our light to medium coloured woolskin products. Our dark-coloured skins are still working towards obtaining the official Oeko-Tex standard certification as they require a slightly higher amounts of dyestuffs to darken any yellow discolouration found on the skins, which would otherwise go to waste.

Our beautiful dark-coloured sheepskins meet all other Oeko-Tex requirements except for one rub test. So, while we actively explore alternative methods to achieve full Oeko-Tex certification for the darker shades, our customers can still be assured that they’re produced safely and to the highest international standards. By repurposing yellow discoloured sheepskin that would have been discarded, and dyeing them in dark colours, The Auskin Group proudly reduces waste and promotes sustainability.

We are audited annually to the Oeko-Tex standard, which positions us at the forefront of our industry in the use of safe chemicals in our products. The testing regime ensures compliance with the highest international standards required for human safety as they relate to sheepskin products. It includes testing for Formaldehyde, Chromium and other chemicals deemed to be of concern. We are proud that this standard allows us to confidently give you beautifully designed products that are not only natural, functional, but also safe.

Meeting the rigorous Oeko-Tex Standard 100 requires stringent analysis and verifications. This is especially true for products made from wool on sheepskin like ours (as opposed to those for just single textile fabrics). The Auskin Group’s technical team has undertaken numerous trials and tests to achieve this prestigious standard, demonstrating our commitment to quality and safety.

Our achievements:

• We have gained Oeko-Tex accreditation in both Class 1 for Ivory and Class 2 for Ivory and light to medium colours in acid and metal dyes. Our tannage is chrome free as per the Oeko-Tex standard requirement.

• The Oeko-Tex organisation purchases samples of The Auskin Group products independently in the market place. Samples are taken from different countries several times a year to be tested against the Oeko-Tex standards.

• To achieve the Oeko-Tex standards, we must pass a factory audit and meet regular quality assurance testing. Our products must adhere to a program set out as part of the Audit requirements and be tested by an accredited independent laboratory.

• We are currently working towards achieving the Oeko-Tex standard for our darker- coloured sheepskin products. In order to meet the stringent criteria, our technical team must take into account the different properties of darker woolskin to achieve the standard.

At The Auskin Group, we remain dedicated to maintaining Oeko-Tex standards and strive to obtain further certifications for all our products in the future. Our commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability drives us to continually improve and provide you with the safest and best sheepskin products possible.

We conduct annual chemical and performance testing on our products using Intertek Laboratories to ensure the high quality of our sheepskins. Chemical testing at Intertek Laboratories helps us to guarantee that our products are free from any pesticide residues, traces of formaldehyde, heavy metals, and AZO dyestuffs. Furthermore, Intertek conducts regular assessments on our skins to evaluate their performance in terms of colour and light fastness, as well as rub tests. It is through these thorough evaluations that The Auskin Group maintains the highest international standards in our production processes.

Intertek Laboratories is a multinational company specialising in testing, inspection, certification, and other technical services. They provide a wide range of services across various industries to help businesses ensure quality, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards. Intertek operates a network of laboratories globally, equipped with advanced testing equipment and staffed by experts in their respective fields. Intertek’s laboratories play a crucial role in verifying the quality, safety, and performance of our products, enabling The Auskin Group to meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.

SEDEX and SMETA standards

Our tannery is a member of SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) and is audited annually for compliance with SMETA ethical trade standards (SEDEX Members Ethical Trade Audit).

SEDEX is a not-for-profit organisation that helps businesses promote ethical supply chains. They provide a platform for sharing responsible sourcing data, audits, and collaboration with suppliers. Being part of SEDEX shows our commitment to transparency and responsible business practices.

SMETA is an auditing methodology by SEDEX that assesses ethical trade practices in member supply chains. It evaluates adherence to labour rights, health and safety, environmental impact, and business ethics. SMETA promotes transparency and drives improvements in supply chains

ISO9001: 2015

The Auskin Group is an ISO9001:2015 certified supplier which means that we have met the requirements of the ISO 9001 quality management system standard. This certification shows that we have effective quality management processes to consistently deliver products/services that meet customer needs and comply with regulations. ISO 9001:2015 covers customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, risk management, and employee involvement in achieving quality goals.

WOOLMARK

The Auskin Group is an approved license holder of the Woolmark quality assurance logo across all of our Sheepskin products. Woolmark is the global authority on wool, representing a genuine commitment between woolgrowers, brands, and consumers. They ensure the authenticity and superior quality of wool and woollen products. When you see the Woolmark logo, you can trust that you’re getting an authentic sheepskin, with the highest standards of wool in the world.

REACH

None of our products contain substances of high concern listed in the European Union’s REACH regulations Annex XVII. REACH is an EU regulation called Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals. It aims to protect human health and the environment from chemical risks. Our organisation, and our international supplier base, must register and provide information about the chemicals they use. REACH promotes safer chemical use and alternatives.

Other assurances of quality and safety for our product range:

• We are regularly audited by major retail brands, each requiring compliance with their own specific ethical, social, environmental and chemical standards.

• Material Handling Datasheets & test results are available upon request.

Certifications

The Auskin Group proudly complies with, and exceeds, international standards that are critical to our industry. Our products are beautifully crafted, honouring nature and function. We are very proud of our uncompromising commitment to the highest international standards in safety and quality.

1 12