Laboratory testing services

Phthalates are a group of chemicals widely used as plasticizers, which make plastics more flexible and durable. They have also been used as additives in products such as cosmetics and personal care items. Several phthalates have been identified as endocrine-disrupting agents or as chemicals toxic to reproduction. Exposure to phthalates can occur through: Oral exposure Food: Exposure occurs via migration from food packaging., Children's toys: Children often put toys in their mouths.., Inhalation: Breathing in dust from vinyl flooring or fragrances (like perfumes) can cause exposure to phthalates via inhalation., Skin contact: Phthalates present in cosmetics, lotions, and soaps can be absorbed through the skin.. For other listed matrices apart from cosmetics, the analysis package covers the following substances included in the REACH Authorization List: Substance Abbreviation CAS number Diisobutyl phthalate DIBP 84-69-5 Dibutyl phthalate DBP 84-74-2 Benzyl butyl phthalate BBP 85-68-7 Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate DEHP 117-81-7 Di(n-octyl) phthalate DNOP 117-84-0 Diisononyl phthalate DINP 68515-48-0 Diisodecyl phthalate DIDP 26761-40-0 Products that contain restricted phthalates in concentrations higher than 0.1% may be removed from the market. The analysis package for cosmetic products contains the following phthalates: Substance Abbreviation CAS number Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate DEHP 117-81-7 Benzyl butyl phthalate BBP 85-68-7 Dibutyl phthalate DBP 84-74-2 Diisononyl phthalate DINP 68515-48-0 Di(n-octyl) phthalate DNOP 117-84-0 Diisodecyl phthalate DIDP 26761-40-0 All the above-mentioned substances are prohibited in cosmetic products (Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009).

We offer comprehensive test packages for verifying the quality of type II and type IIR face masks according to the EN 14683 standard. The tests included in the packages are required to label face masks with the CE marking. Medical face masks are divided into Types I and II according to their bacterial filtration efficiency. Type I masks are not intended for healthcare professionals, but for the public to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Type II masks are further classified based on whether they are splash-resistant (Type IIR) or not (Type II). To comply with the European Standard EN 14683, Type II face masks must undergo the following quality tests: Bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) - The ability of the face mask to filter the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The BFE is expressed as the percentage of colony-forming units (cfu) that have passed via aerosol through the facemask. If a face mask consists of two or more areas with different characteristics, these areas will be tested separately., Breathability (Differential pressure) - The amount of differential pressure required to draw air through a measured surface area at a constant flow rate., Microbial cleanliness (Bioburden) - The measurement of colony forming units per gram as per EN ISO 11737-1., Biocompatibility - The medical face mask manufacturer shall complete a biocompatibility evaluation according to ISO 10993-1 as a surface device with limited contact. The applicable toxicology testing regimen shall also be determined.. In addition to the above, Type IIR masks require the following test: Splash resistance - Performed according to ISO 22609, this test determines the ability of a face mask to resist penetration of splashes of liquid at different pressures.. The lower displayed price applies to the Type II mask test package, while the higher price also includes the splash resistance test required for Type IIR masks.

This test measures the air permeability of fabrics according to standard EN ISO 9237. Most types of fabrics, including industrial fabrics for technical purposes, nonwovens, and made-up textile articles, are suited for the test. The result will be given in l/m²/s, expressing the amount of air that passes through a square meter of fabric in one second.

GC-MS analysis of 16 PAH compounds, which are listed as high-priority pollutants by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The analyzed PAH compounds are: naphthalene [CAS: 91-20-3], acenaphthylene [CAS: 208-96-8], acenaphthene [CAS: 83-32-9], fluorene [CAS: 86-73-7], phenanthrene [CAS: 85-01-8], anthracene [CAS: 120-12-7], fluoranthene [CAS: 206-44-0], pyrene [CAS: 129-00-0], benz(a)anthracene [CAS: 56-55-3], chrysene [CAS: 218-01-9], benzo(b)fluoranthene [CAS: 205-99-2], benzo(k)fluoranthene [CAS: 207-08-9], benzo (a) pyrene [CAS: 50-32-8], dibenzo(ah)anthracene [CAS: 53-70-3], benzo (ghi) perylene [CAS: 191-24-2], indeno (123cd) pyrene [CAS: 193-39-5].

IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 9 fire testing assesses the suitability of bedding components for marine use. Test results can be used for type approval (wheel mark). During testing, the ignitability of mattresses, quilts, blankets, pillows, and other bedding components is assessed. Mattresses are placed directly on a test steel rig, while quilts, blankets, pillows, and thin light mattresses are fixed to a mineral wool board that is placed on the test rig. Two ignition sources are used: a smoldering cigarette covered with a cotton wool pad and a small gas flame.

Parts 1 and 2 of the EN 1021 standard are used to assess the ignitability of upholstered seating. A smoldering cigarette and match-flame equivalent are used as ignition sources. Testing is a requirement for upholstered furniture that is designed to be used in public spaces, such as hotels, schools, and restaurants.

IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 8 testing for upholstered furniture is used to assess the suitability of materials for maritime use. The results can be used for type approval (wheel mark). The testing is performed on the actual product or a small-scale test chair consisting of the cover and filling components of the product. Materials needed for the test are as follows x 3: Cover: 800 mm x 650 mm, Back-filling: 450 mm x 300 mm x 75 mm , Seat-filling: 450 mm x 150 mm x 75 mm. During the cigarette test, a cigarette is lighted and positioned axially along the junction between the seat and the back. The test assembly is not allowed to smolder after one hour from the beginning of the test. In the burner tube test, a burner tube with a propane flame is allowed to burn for 20 seconds, positioned axially along the junction between the seat and the back. No flaming or progressive smoldering is allowed to continue for more than 120 seconds after the removal of the burner tube.

Water vapor transmission rate testing can be used to evaluate the breathability of textiles. This test, performed according to ASTM E96, measures the amount of water vapor that passes through the fabric in a controlled environment. The standard conditions are 20 °C and 65% relative humidity. The result will be reported in g/m²/day. For a more comprehensive evaluation of technical textiles' barrier properties, this test can be combined with the ISO 811 resistance to water penetration test and the ISO 9237 air permeability measurement. Do not hesitate to ask our experts for an offer for the full set of analyses.

This test measures the light-blocking properties of textiles (typically curtains or drapes) against light passing through them. Testing is performed according to standard AATCC 203. Testing is conducted with spectrophotometric measuring equipment that produces precise and reproducible results. The results are presented in percentages (%).

Determination of certain aromatic amines derived from azo dyes in accordance with the standard EN 14362-1.

We offer testing according to several ISO and DIN standards to assess dimensional changes in textiles after washing, drying, and/or ironing. The results are expressed as percentages (%) of either extension (+) or shrinkage (–). Testing can be based on the following standards: ISO 3759 – Textiles – Preparation, marking, and measuring of fabric specimens and garments in tests for determination of dimensional change., ISO 6330 – Domestic washing and drying procedures for textile testing , ISO 5077 – Textiles – Determination of dimensional change in washing and drying , ISO 3175-1 – Professional care, dry cleaning, and wet cleaning of fabrics and garments – Part 1: Assessment of performance after cleaning and finishing, DIN 53894-1 – Determination of dimensional change of textile fabrics, ironing with a moist ironing cloth on an ironing press.. In addition, in-house methods are available to assess dimensional change after hand washing or exposure to cold water or dry air. Upon requesting a quote, please let us know which methods should be followed during testing. Please also note that due to capacity constraints, we may not be able to accommodate small one-off projects with just a few samples.

Color fastness describes a textile's ability to retain its original color when exposed to different types of chemical, mechanical, or environmental stress. We offer color fastness testing according to the following standards: EN ISO 105-C06 Colour fastness to domestic & commercial laundering with detergent, EN ISO 105-C08 Colour fastness to domestic & commercial laundering with a non-phosphate reference detergent, EN ISO 105-C09 Colour fastness to oxidative bleach, EN ISO 105-C10 Colour fastness to washing with soap, EN ISO 105-D02 - Color fastness to rubbing with organic solvents, EN ISO 105-E01 - Color fastness to water, EN ISO 105-E02 - Color fastness to seawater, EN ISO 105-E03 - Color fastness to chlorinated water, EN ISO 105-E04 - Color fastness to alkaline and acidic perspiration, EN ISO 105-E05 - Color fastness to acid spotting , EN ISO 105-E06 - Color fastness to alkaline spotting, EN ISO 105-E07 - Color fastness to water spotting, EN ISO 105-E08 - Color fastness to hot water , EN ISO 105-N02 - Color fastness to peroxide bleaching, EN ISO 105-X04 - Color fastness to mercerizing, EN ISO 105-X05 - Color fastness to organic solvents, EN ISO 105-X11 - Color fastness to hot pressing (dry, damp, or wet) , ISO 105-X12 - Color fastness to rubbing, EN 20105-N01 - Color fastness to hypochlorite bleaching, DIN 53160-1 - Color fastness to saliva, DIN 53160-2 - Color fastness to artificial sweat, DIN 54034 - Color fastness to mild hypochlorite bleaching. Please let us know which method(s) should be used when requesting a quote.

Vertically supported textiles and films are to be tested by IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 7 to assess their suitability for marine use. Test results can be used for type approval (wheel mark). At least 20 specimens (170 mm x 220 mm) are cut in both directions of the fabric. If the sides of the fabric are different, both sides shall be tested. Products treated with flame retardants are tested before and after ten full cycles of cleaning and drying. The test specimen is fixed to a vertical metal frame that is placed in the testing cabinet. The specimen is then ignited with a propane gas flame (40 ± 2 mm). Preliminary tests are performed for both directions, the worst case of ignition scenario is chosen, and 5 further tests are conducted in both directions. The after-flame time, burn-through, ignition of cotton wool below, average char length, and surface flash are observed.

This test is used to determine the water absorbency of various textiles and fabric materials. A drop of water is placed on the sample, and the time it takes for the drop to be fully absorbed into the material is measured. The result is given in seconds (s). Please note that we may be unable to offer these tests for small one-off projects involving just a few samples.