SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 156.23 to provide stakeholders with a summary of the new International Organization for Standardization (ISO) test method for evaluating microplastics generated or emitted from clothing and textiles.
Microplastics (MPs) are tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5mm in size and can originate from a variety of sources, including the breakdown of plastic items, as well as the shedding of synthetic fibers from textiles and textile products. In recent years they have emerged as a significant environmental concern.
To help the industry address this problem, ISO has developed ISO 4484-2 ‘Textiles and Textile Products — Microplastics from Textile Sources — Part 2: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Microplastics’. This provides information on the nature, numerical concentration, surface area and estimated mass of microplastics originating from the textile sector, gathered from various matrices (powdery solid, aqueous suspension or aeriform), including textile process wastewater, clothing washing water, textile process air emissions and textile process solid waste. Qualitative and quantitative results are reported in terms of estimated surface area and mass of microplastics per sample.
SGS publishes SafeGuardS to keep interested parties informed about regulatory and market changes that may impact their business. SafeGuardS 156.23 contains an overview of the issues surrounding microplastics and the process involved in ISO 4484-2.
Stakeholders are advised to review SGS’s original SafeGuardS 156.23 for more details.
SGS Softlines Services
SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories, including 10 in China, specializing in testing of apparel, footwear, and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to conduct a comprehensive range of physical, chemical, and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance, and compliance with international, industrial, and regulatory standards worldwide. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Softlines Services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full ISO Launches New Test Method for Conducting a Qualitative and Quantitative Analytical Evaluation of Microplastics SafeGuardS.
Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.
For further information contact:
Dr. Min Zhu
US & Canada Softlines Technical Director
Tel: +19734611230
Email: cp.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/softlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.