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Textile labs increasingly going in for ISO 17025 accreditation

Reena Mital - Mumbai

Textile laboratory accreditation is on the rise, with both private and government labs going in for the same. The Textiles Committee, which has set up a large number of textile testing and eco labs in almost every textile centre, is planning to get ISO 17025 certification for two more labs viz Jaipur and Ludhiana, this year, even as it has already completed accreditation for eight labs - Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Tirupur, Karur, Coimbatore, Kanpur and Bangalore. The Textiles Committee has identified 18 labs for such accreditation. The remaining eight labs will be accredited over the next 2-3 years, it is learnt.

According to Textiles Committee sources, “We are going in for ISO 17025 accreditation for the labs in the export centres first. The labs in manufacturing centres only will be taken up next.”

Labs with the textile research associations (TRAs) are also working towards ISO 17025 accreditation. While BTRA and SITRA have already got this certification, the others are at various stages of achieving the same.

“It is interesting to note that a lot of private labs, especially those attached to manufacturing units are also going in for this accreditation. There are at least 20 labs that are working towards this, and will have got the certification within the next one year. Of these 20, eight are commercial labs, and 12 are with the manufacturing units. The industry today is aware of the need for improving quality, and more importantly proving the quality, which has resulted in a spate for ISO 17025 accreditation,” informed sources. There are around 300 textile testing labs in the country.

According to Textiles Committee officials, the utilisation of textile testing labs is increasing. The committee was also the nodal agency for NABL sponsored Inter-Lab Proficiency Testing programme in 2003, which had participation from 43 labs in the country. The programme is aimed at strengthening the technical competence of the laboratories.

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Flame retardants from Ciba Specialty Chemicals achieve Oeko-Tex Standard 100

Ciba PYROVATEX CP new, PYROVATEX CP-LF and Ciba FLOVAN CGN and textiles treated with these flame retardants qualify for Oeko-Tex Standard 100. These products have now been added to the Oeko-Tex list of “active chemical substances”. This means that independent experts have assessed and approved submitted data. “Companies and individuals today want to be sure that protective fabrics not only provide the required effect, but are also safe in use and skin compatible,” says Christoph Biedermann, Global Head of Ciba Specialty Chemicals’ Textile Effects Segment. “Furthermore, special finishes must also allow flexibility in coloration, in order to fulfill precise specifications and regulations.

Compatibility with other finishes is another requirement. In addition, protective workwear needs to combine performance with comfort. PYROVATEX flame retardants for protective workwear and FLOVAN for other applications meet these needs.” PYROVATEX CP new and CP-LF flame-retardant finishes for cotton are fast to washing and compatible with numerous other treatments, such as oil- and water-repellent finishes, enabling the creation of multifunctional garments.

The treated fabrics shrink very little when exposed to heat and flames, ensuring minimum exposure of the skin to hazardous conditions. Treated cotton does not melt in the presence of heat and affords high thermal protection where heat is an added danger. Cotton garments finished with PYROVATEX flame retardants remain comfortable to wear. PYROVATEX CP new and CP-LF finishes are used by the oil, chemical, welding and metal, and electrical industries, the armed forces and police, technical support institutions and fire brigades. FLOVAN CGN flame-retardant finishes are suitable for cellulose, polyester, wool, polypropylene and polyethylene fibers and their blends. End uses are automotive textiles, mattress ticking, building materials, curtains and drapes, and decorative fabrics. FLOVAN CGN finishes are compatible with other treatments, such as coatings and oil- and water-repellent finishes.

Ciba Specialty Chemicals (SWX: CIBN, NYSE: CSB) is a leading global company dedicated to producing high-value effects for its customers’ products. We strive to be the partner of choice for our customers, offering them innovative products and one-stop expert service. We create effects that improve the quality of life – adding performance, protection, color and strength to textiles, plastics, paper, automobiles, buildings, home and personal care products and much more. Ciba Specialty Chemicals is active in more than 120 countries around the world and is committed to be a leader in its chosen markets.

In 2002, the Company generated sales of 7.1 billion Swiss francs and invested 294 million in R&D.