infotx@cpt.eurofinsus.com |
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New - Antimicrobial Textile Testing
June 1, 2023
The global antimicrobial textiles market was valued at $10.0 billion in 2019, and is projected to reach $18.2 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2020 to 2027 (Allied Market Research). To support an increasing demand for this kind of testing we have expanded our Antimicrobial Texting Testing capabilities. Eurofins | CRL is now offering In Vitro Antimicrobial Textile Testing following the AATCC 100 and ISO 20743 methodologies at our laboratory in Austin, Texas. In collaboration with our other two laboratories in New Jersey and North Carolina, ECRL now has multiple offerings available to support your antimicrobial textile testing needs at various stages of product development. These different types of studies can answer questions such as, How well does my antimicrobial textile prevent unpleasant odors after actual wear? This type of testing can be performed at our laboratory in New Jersey with the use of our Temperature and Humidity Controlled Environmental chamber, large database of panelists, and new Odor Panel testing offering.
If your article also has UPF features, what is the UPF rating? This type of testing can be performed at our laboratory in North Carolina. Does this antimicrobial textile inhibit microbial growth, such as bacteria, yeast and mold after prolonged ware? New antimicrobial textile testing methods, AATCC 100 and ISO 20743, are now being offered at our lab in Austin, Texas. The majority of the antimicrobial textiles sold in the US utilize EPA-registered active ingredients because of the current guidance by regulatory agencies in the US. In accordance with the EPA’s Pesticide Registration Notice 2000-1, also known as the Treated Article Exemption, EPA-registered active ingredients may be used in the development of a treated article that is marketed as protectant against bacteria and other organisms without a requirement for the company to submit data to the EPA – this is because the claim references the antimicrobial technology protecting the article/substance itself and not the consumer, so it is not considered a health claim. What draws consumers to utilize antimicrobial textiles? There are a myriad of reasons and uses such as clothing, including workout and outdoor apparel for activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, etc. Antimicrobial textiles can combat bad odor by targeting odor-causing bacteria and inhibiting their growth or preventing deterioration of the fabric itself by preventing the growth of mold and/or mildew. Antimicrobial textiles prevent the proliferation of these microorganism, by preventing the transformation from normal compounds into odiferous compounds and therefore preventing bad odor as a result of normal wear. Whether the clothing is worn multiple times in the gym without washing in between wears or if used for hiking, camping or fishing; antimicrobial additives provide multiple benefits to textiles such as socks, undergarments, and other outdoor gear that is frequently exposed to water. Our laboratory in Austin, Texas can now provide in vitro testing capabilities to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of these textiles. As this type of technology relies on the inhibition of microbial growth, it is only appropriate that sensitive antimicrobial tests are utilized to substantiate this via in vitro testing. Industry standard testing methodologies for this antimicrobial evaluation include the AATCC 100 test method as well as the ISO 20743 test method – both of which are now available to our clients.