Consumer Protection in the Textile Industry
In the textile industry, consumer protection plays an important role. Product labels, such as the Oeko-Texยฎ Standard 100, are an important mark of quality and often a decisive purchasing factor. But to qualify for this desirable certification, manufacturers must produce all components of their products according to the required criteria and ensure compliance with the prescribed limits.
Global Standard for Harmful Substances in Textiles
When purchasing clothing many consumers look for textiles that have been tested for evidence of harmful substances. The product label "Confidence in Textiles - Tested for harmful substances according to Oeko-Texยฎ Standard 100" is an independent, globally uniform certification system for textiles of all kinds (more information: www.oeko-tex.com).
Precise Analysis of Pollutants with Fischer XRF
To be certified according to the Oeko-Texยฎ Standard 100, all parts of the article must meet the required criteria: for example, in clothing, besides the outer fabric, also sewing threads, zippers, buttons, rivets and other notions and appliquรฉs. For precise analysis of pollutants such as Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni etc., the non-destructive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method is ideal. Using this method, it is possible to detect even the smallest concentrations of prohibited or restricted substances in a sample. The FISCHERSCOPEยฎ X-RAY XDVยฎ-SDD provides an extremely precise measuring system for determining even the slightest traces of banned substances. Fibres and fabrics, whole bobbins of thread or yarn, and even appliquรฉs made of plastic, glass or metal can be checked quickly and easily.
Application of the X-ray Fluorescence Method (XRF)
Using this method, it is possible to detect even the smallest concentrations of prohibited or restricted substances in a sample. The FISCHERSCOPEยฎ X-RAY XDVยฎ-SDD provides an extremely precise measuring system for determining even the slightest traces of banned substances. Fibres and fabrics, whole bobbins of thread or yarn, and even appliquรฉs made of plastic, glass or metal can be checked quickly and easily.
Product Classes for Oeko-Texยฎ Testing
The scope and requirements of Oeko-Texยฎ testing depend on the intended use of a textile product โ the more intensive the skin contact, the stricter the limits. Correspondingly, there are four product classes:
I โ Garments and toys for babies and kids under three
II โ Fabrics worn directly against the skin
III โ Fabrics with little or no direct skin contact
IV โ Notions and other decorative materials
Limits for Lead and Cadmium
| I | II | III | IV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pb | 90 ppm | 90 ppm | 90 ppm | 90 ppm |
| Cd | 50 ppm | 100 ppm | 100 ppm | 100 ppm |
Fast and Non-Destructive Analysis with FISCHERSCOPEยฎ X-RAY XDVยฎ-SDD
Using the FISCHERSCOPEยฎ X-RAY XDVยฎ-SDD, it is easy to test textiles and related components for minute traces of harmful substances in order to verify compliance with the international Oeko-Texยฎ Standard 100. For further information please contact your local FISCHER representative.