SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is reminding stakeholders that under US rules, claims that textiles made with ‘bamboo fibers’ may be erroneous and therefore subject to fines.
In the US, the labeling and advertising of textile fibers is subject to the provisions in the Fiber Products Identification Act and the Textile Fiber Rule. In recent years, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has noticed an increase in claims that some textile products are ‘bamboo’, ‘made from bamboo’ or contain ‘bamboo fibers’. According to the FTC, claims relating to sustainability are deceptive because bamboo is only being used as the cellulose source, as can any plant or tree. Once the cellulose undergoes the regenerating process, the textile should actually be called rayon, which uses harmful chemicals during processing that emit hazardous air pollution.
Therefore, textiles and apparel may only be labeled as made of bamboo if they are made directly with bamboo fiber (often called mechanically processed bamboo). Articles made with bamboo pulp that has undergone a chemical fiber-making process must be labeled and advertised as ‘rayon (or viscose) made from bamboo’. Claims should only be made if they can be substantiated.
The FTC is now advising companies to review their labeling and advertising in relation to textile products that reference bamboo.
For more information on the issues surrounding textiles containing bamboo fibers and discussions surrounding claims relating to antimicrobial and biodegradable claims, review SGS’s original SafeGuardS 063/22.
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 US FTC Fines Companies for False Labeling on So-Called “Bamboo” Textiles SafeGuardS.
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For further information contact:
Louann Spirito
Consumer and Retail — Softlines
US & Canada Softlines Business Head
Tel: +1 973 461 7919
Email: cp.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/softlines
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 96,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.