How to identify the fiber content?

Fiber content is the main quality index of textile products. The pros and cons of raw materials are one of the important factors that determine the value of the product, and it is also the main content of whether the product is “genuine” and it also plays an important role in guiding consumers to purchase.

At present, in the supervision and spot checks in the domestic market, there are repeated appearances of unqualified fiber content, and some even involve famous brands.

China Textile Economy Information invited experts and Qian Tian, ​​deputy manager of Intertek China Market Division, to explain the issues related to the labeling of fiber components in question and answer form.

Why label fiber content?

The labeling of fiber content is the most direct way for companies to communicate raw materials to consumers, and it is also an undertaking and explicit guarantee that companies make to consumers. For consumers, it is the basis for understanding the materials and properties of the garments that are purchased. Consumers can choose the garments that are suitable for them according to the fiber content indicated in the instructions for use.

What standards should be followed for fiber content labeling?

The national standard GB 5296.4-1998 “Guidelines for the use of consumer products, textiles and clothing” obliges that the instructions for the use of the product must have an identification of the fiber content. The labeling requirements shall comply with the textile industry standard FZ/T 01053-2007 “Textile fiber content. The "Identification" implementation.

How should the fiber name be marked?

There are two situations as follows:

1) The name of the labelled fiber should use the normative name developed by the national standard or industry standard. It cannot be marked with an abstract, stylish, substitute name. The name of natural fiber adopts the name specified in GB/T 11951 "Glossary of natural fiber for textiles", the name of chemical fiber adopts the name specified in GB/T 4146.1 "Fabric Chemical Fiber Part 1: Generic Name", and the name of down feather is GB/T. The name given in 17685 Down Feather.

2) Fibers that do not have a uniform name in national standards or industry standards may be labeled as "new (natural, recycled, synthetic) fibers." The name of some of the existing new fibers may refer to FZ/T 01053, Appendix C.

Where is the fiber content labelled?

GB 5296.4 stipulates that each product should be attached with a fiber content endurance label, indicating the name and content of each component fiber contained in the product. The fiber content can also be labeled on the same label as the rest of the instructions for use. When the product has different types of fiber content labels, the consistency of its fiber content should be maintained. If the durability label used affects the use of the product or is not suitable for attaching a durable label, such as fabric, wool, sewing thread, socks, etc., other types of labels such as tag may be used.

How to label fiber content in complete sets or special packaging products?

There are several situations as follows:

− Products that are sold in whole or in whole bags and are not suitable for durable labels. When the fiber content of each product is the same, the fiber content label can be provided in units of sales units;

− When the packaged product is sold, if the fiber content information on the textile product (except above) cannot be clearly seen, the fiber content of the product must be indicated on the package or product specification;

− Packages containing two or more unit products with different fiber contents; or Packages with the same fiber content, but each unit sold as a single product, each product should have its own independent fiber content label;

− When the fiber content is the same as the complete set, and the complete package is delivered to the final consumer, the information on the fiber content can be marked on only one unit in the product;

− If the product is not for sale to the final consumer, the content of the fiber content label is replaced by a commercial document.

Can the fiber content label be in English?

The words on the fiber content label should be clear and eye-catching. The state-regulated Chinese characters should be used, and Chinese characters should be used as well as text expressions in other languages.

What are the requirements for fiber content durability labels?

The content of the fiber content durability label should not be irritating to the human body and should be attached to the product in a suitable location and ensure that the information on the label is not covered or hidden.

What parts (sites) in the product need to be labeled with fiber content?

Each product's fabric, lining, and filler should be clearly and correctly marked with the percentage of fiber content. Only in the decorative part of the product or the part that does not constitute the body of the product, such as: lace, ruffles, piping, welts, belts, ribbons, collars, cuffs, hem, elastic mouth, lining, padding , Pockets, Liners, Trademarks, Partial Embroidery, Appliques, etc. If the area of ​​these individual parts or the total area of ​​several parts of the same fabric does not exceed 15% of the surface area of ​​the product, the fibre content of this part may not be marked.

Can the fiber content label the brand name of the product?

Can't. Because the brand name is not the normative fiber name specified by the national standard, such as: "Lycra", "Tiansi", etc. Here, "Lycra" should be marked with elastic fiber, "Tiansi" should be labeled with Lyocell fiber.

Can fiber content label functional fiber name?

Currently it is not possible. Some parts of some products contain certain characteristic fibers, such as: conductive fibers. The requirements for these characteristic fibers are not yet clearly defined. The conventional component analysis methods cannot analyze the presence of these functions and are difficult to determine.

Can the fiber content be marked as the place of origin?

Can be labeled in specific situations. The raw materials of some products are famous for their place of origin, such as merino wool, Angora rabbit hair, etc. Unless there is a certificate of origin for labeling, only wool and rabbit hair can be marked because there is no testing standard to certify wool, The origin of rabbit hair.

Fiber content can be labeled organic cotton?

Can be labeled in specific situations. Organic cotton is a non-polluting cotton produced from seeds to agricultural products in the process of planting. It uses a non-polluting process of dyeing natural dyes that do not cause any burden on the body during processing. Therefore, the conclusion of organic cotton cannot be identified merely by inspection and test analysis. Only organic cotton components can be marked after being certified by a recognized organic cotton certification organization and obtaining corresponding certificates.