Fabric Testing and Certification in the Textile Industry 

The textile industry, like any other, needs standardisation and uniformity and so  increasingly there is a demand for certification in the industry. The textile business is a  dynamic sector that includes a variety of products, such as clothes, bedding, upholstery,  and much more. It is crucial to make sure that every product complies with the highest  quality and safety standards given the wide variety of products that are created. In this  regard, fabric testing and certification are essential since they guarantee that the  finished product complies with the necessary requirements and industry standards. 

Fabric Testing 

Fabric testing is the process of analysing a fabric’s characteristics and performance to  make sure it complies with the necessary criteria. By putting the fabric through a series  of tests to evaluate its various physical and chemical qualities, this is accomplished. The  most typical tests include: 

• Strength Testing: Strength testing measures the force required to break or tear  the fabric. This test is essential for ensuring that the fabric is strong enough to  withstand repeated use and exposure to various elements. 
• Tensile Strength Testing: This test measures the force required to pull a fabric  apart and is used to evaluate the fabric’s strength and durability. 
• Tear Strength Testing: This test measures the force required to tear a fabric and  is used to evaluate the fabric’s resistance to tearing. 
• Bursting Strength Testing: This test measures the pressure required to burst a  fabric and is used to evaluate the fabric’s ability to withstand pressure and stress. 
• Abrasion Resistance Testing: This test measures the fabric’s ability to withstand  friction and wear and is used to evaluate the fabric’s durability.
• Pilling Resistance Testing: This test measures the fabric’s resistance to forming  pills, or small balls of fibres, on the surface of the fabric and is used to evaluate  the fabric’s appearance and texture. 
• Moisture Regain Testing: This test measures the amount of moisture that a fabric  can absorb and is used to evaluate the fabric’s ability to retain moisture and its  overall comfort. 
• Durability Testing: Durability testing checks the fabric’s ability to withstand  repeated washing, wearing, and exposure to sunlight, among other things. This  test helps to ensure that the fabric will last for a long time and retain its  appearance even after repeated use. 
• Colour Fastness Testing: Colour-fastness testing measures the fabric’s ability to  retain its colour after exposure to light, washing, and rubbing. This test is  essential for ensuring that the fabric will not fade or bleed and that the colours  will remain vibrant and true to life. 
• Flammability Testing: Flammability testing assesses the fabric’s resistance to  ignition and the rate at which it burns. This test is particularly important for  products that will be used in public spaces, such as upholstery or curtains, as it  helps to ensure that they are safe and will not pose a fire hazard. 
• Shrinkage testing 

The process of shrinkage is when a fabric gets smaller in size, frequently as a result of  washing or drying. As a result, there may be irregularities in the finished product, such  as misaligned patterns or poor fit, which can be problematic for textile makers.  Manufacturers test fabrics for shrinking to ensure that it won’t occur.  When a fabric sample is being tested for shrinkage, its measurements are measured  both before and after washing or drying. The cloth is assessed according to its degree  of shrinkage once the size change has been computed. ISO 5077 and AATCC 135 are  the two standards for shrinkage testing that are most frequently applied. 

Print Testing: 

To assess the calibre and robustness of prints on textile textiles, print testing is used. It  makes it more likely that the prints won’t deteriorate over time and fade, peel, or  otherwise change. 

In print testing, the printed cloth is often subjected to various environmental conditions,  such as light, heat, and abrasion, and the ensuing changes are measured. The fabric is  then assessed according to how well it keeps its appearance and vitality.  There are other print tests, such as the light fastness test, which gauges how well a  fabric will hold up to exposure to light, and the rub test, which gauges how well a fabric  will hold up to abrasion. 

Certification 

Certification provides assurance that the fabric meets specified industry standards and  regulations.  

Some of the most common certifications include: 

• Oeko-Tex Standard 100: This certification ensures that the fabric is free of  harmful chemicals and substances, such as lead and formaldehyde. This is  essential for protecting consumer health and the environment, as well as  ensuring that the final product is safe for use. 
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): This certification verifies that the fabric  is made from organic fibres and is produced in an environmentally and socially  responsible manner. This certification helps to ensure that the fabric is produced  in a sustainable manner, without compromising on quality or safety. 
• Blue-sign: This certification assesses the entire production chain and ensures  that the fabric is produced in a sustainable manner, without compromising on  health and safety. This certification is essential for ensuring that the fabric is  produced in an environmentally responsible manner and that the final product is  of the highest quality. 
• REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals):  This is a European Union regulation that ensures that chemicals used in the  production of textiles are safe for human health and the environment.
• The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI): This certification verifies that the  fabric is made from organic fibres and meets the USDA National Organic  Program standards. 

Why Have Fabric Testing and Certification in the Textile  Industry 

• Cost-Effective: Fabric testing and certification can actually save textile  manufacturers money in the long run. By identifying potential problems with the  fabric before it is used in the final product, manufacturers can avoid costly recalls  and reputation damage. Additionally, certifications can help to differentiate the  manufacturer’s products from others, potentially increasing sales and profits. 
• Compliance with Regulations: The textile industry is heavily regulated, and failure  to comply with regulations can result in significant fines and legal consequences.  Fabric testing and certification help manufacturers to ensure that their products  meet all relevant regulations and standards, such as those related to  flammability, environmental sustainability, and consumer safety. 
• Improved Quality: By testing and certifying their fabrics, manufacturers can  ensure that they are using high-quality materials and producing products that  meet their customers’ expectations. This can lead to improved customer  satisfaction, increased brand loyalty, and repeat business. 
• Increased Sustainability: Many certifications, such as GOTS, assess the  environmental impact of textile production and help to ensure that it is  sustainable. By certifying their products, manufacturers can demonstrate their  commitment to sustainability and the environment, which is becoming  increasingly important to consumers. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is  a globally recognized certification for organic textiles, including clothing, home  textiles, and personal care products. The standard was established in 2002 and  is considered to be the leading processing standard for textiles made from  organic fibres.The GOTS certification covers the entire production process of a  textile, from the sourcing of the raw materials to the final product. To be certified  under GOTS, the textile must be made from at least 70% organic fibres, such as 

organic cotton, linen, or wool, and must meet strict environmental and social  criteria throughout the production process.The GOTS certification verifies that the  textile was produced in an environmentally responsible manner, without the use  of harmful chemicals and synthetic fertilizers. It also ensures that fair labour  practices were used throughout the production process and that workers were  treated with dignity and respect.The GOTS certification provides consumers with  assurance that the products they are purchasing are environmentally friendly and  ethically produced. It also helps manufacturers to differentiate their products from  conventional textiles, and to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and  social responsibility. 

• Increased Trust and Credibility: Fabric testing and certification help to  demonstrate the manufacturer’s commitment to producing high-quality, safe, and  sustainable products. This can increase consumer trust and credibility, and  ultimately lead to increased sales and brand recognition. 

In conclusion, fabric testing and certification play a crucial role in the textile industry. By  ensuring that the fabric meets the required standards, manufacturers can produce high quality, safe, and sustainable products that meet the needs and expectations of their  customers. Additionally, certification helps to enhance the reputation and credibility of  the manufacturer, and ultimately contributes to customer satisfaction and confidence. 

As a company that performs fabric testing in our factory, Cotton Monk understands the  importance of ensuring the quality, safety, and sustainability of our textiles. Our  comprehensive and rigorous testing program helps us identify any potential issues  before they become major problems, leading to improved efficiency, reduced waste, and  increased customer satisfaction.