Softlines

In early September 2021, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) issued two California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) 60-day notices relating to the presence of bisphenol-A (BPA) in baby, children’s and women’s socks made primarily of polyester with Spandex. Prop 65, or the ‘Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986’, is a unique piece […]

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) has launched a new testing method – TM212-2021 – Fiber Fragment Release During Home Laundering. All textiles release fiber fragments during the laundry process. This new testing method has been developed to help the textile industry to understand and reduce fiber fragmentation discharge into the environment.

On July 1, 2021, the Californian Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) made carpets and rugs containing perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a Priority Product under the Safer Consumer Products (SCP) Program. According to the DTSC, consumers exposed to PFAS may risk several health concerns, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, hormone disruption, thyroid disease, liver

In July 2021, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted to retain the US Care Labeling Rule for apparel and certain textile goods. In July 2020, the FTC had voted to propose a repeal of the US Care Labeling Rule, which had been in effect since 1971. The rule requires manufacturers and importers of garments

On April 1, 2021, China’s new product standard for knitted clothing that feels cool to touch – FZ/T 73067-2020 – came into effect. This standard covers knitted clothing made predominantly from knitted fabrics with a contact transient cool feeling function. It does not apply to clothing made for children aged less than 36 months. ‘Transient

The Standardization Administration of China has released a new national standard – GB/T 40270-2021 ‘Textiles-General technical requirements based on consumer experience’. Product standards have traditionally been constructed from the perspective of product processes and technical levels; they give no consideration to the consumer experience. GB/T 40270-2021 introduces an assessment index system based on the subjective

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published an article looking at the issues surrounding resource use and the need for greater sustainability and more durable clothing. It is predicted that by 2050 we will be consuming resources as if we had three planets. This is unsustainable and governments are starting to

SGS presents a complimentary webinar on September 28, 2021, which offers an Introduction to the 4C Model of Chemical Management Performance Benchmarking and Improvement. This event is an introduction to the challenges of understanding chemicals in the textile industries and improving management of supply chains, and how to meet them. A lack of technical knowledge

The US state of Maine bans the sale of carpets, rugs and fabrics with intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Bill LD 1503 became public law – “An Act to Stop Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Pollution” – on July 15, 2021. Provisions include: January 1, 2023 – manufacturers of products containing an intentionally added

In May 2021, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) published the 22nd edition of its Restricted Substances List (RSL). The RSL covers regulations and laws operating in major global markets that restrict or ban specific substances in apparel, footwear and home textiles. The latest version covers 12 categories of product and over 250 chemicals.