Finnish retail group Kesko has reinforced its commitment to high product safety and quality standards for its own brand clothes and textiles, ensuring that all products undergo thorough testing and evaluation before being offered to consumers. The company’s stringent oversight extends beyond EU legal requirements and reflects an increased focus on customer protection amid growing concerns about low-cost production and chemical use in textile manufacturing.
Before any own brand clothing and home textile products — such as Kesko’s mywear apparel or myhome sheets — reach store shelves, they must comply with strict internal quality and safety criteria. This process begins early in product development, where Kesko’s sourcing teams set detailed requirements based on both legal standards and the unique technical features of each product. In some cases, these internal guidelines impose limits on the use of certain chemicals that are stricter than EU legislation.
To monitor compliance, Kesko conducts product testing in accredited laboratories both within Finland and internationally. The company operates its own ISO 17025 accredited laboratory in Kalasatama, Helsinki, where tests include assessments of colour fastness, washability, and the safety of garment features such as cords in children’s clothing. Continuous risk assessments and customer feedback further inform if additional evaluations are necessary. Should a significant quality or safety concern be identified in the own brand assortment, Kesko coordinates and communicates product recalls across its stores.
In partnership with Swedish retailer ICA, Kesko also ensures that products manufactured overseas — particularly in Asia — meet these high standards. Third-party accredited laboratories test for harmful substances, including phthalates and formaldehyde, which may pose health risks. Kesko’s internal chemical guidelines set maximum limits for these substances, often going beyond the requirements of EU REACH regulations.
Chemical treatments are commonly used in textiles to achieve desired properties like colour, water resistance, odor control, wrinkle prevention, and mould protection. However, Kesko emphasizes that manufacturers must adhere strictly to chemicals permitted under EU law and that usage limits are not exceeded.
For consumers concerned about chemical exposure in clothing and textiles, Kesko recommends looking for environmental certifications such as OEKO-TEX, EU Ecolabel, or the Nordic Swan label, which indicate that products have been independently tested and certified according to stringent safety standards. Additionally, customers should be cautious when purchasing clothing from outside the EU, as such products may not adhere to the same safety requirements enforced in Finland and the broader European market.
Kesko’s efforts to safeguard quality and chemical safety reflect broader industry trends towards increased accountability and transparency in clothing manufacturing. By applying rigorous screening processes and setting high internal standards, the company aims to reinforce consumer trust and ensure that its own brand products remain safe, reliable, and compliant with both legal and ethical expectations.
04:03 PM, Jan 06
Source : Kesko Enhances Safety and Quality Controls for Own Brand Clothes and Textiles