Overview
EN ISO 105-C07:2001, also known as "Textiles - Tests for Colour Fastness - Part C07: Colour fastness to wet scrubbing of pigment printed textiles (ISO 105-C07:1999)", is a harmonized European and international standard published by CEN. This standard provides a reliable test method to determine the colour fastness of pigment printed textiles to wet scrubbing, ensuring consistent evaluation of how pigment colors withstand cleaning processes involving wet brushing.
The standard covers all types of pigment printed or pigment dyed textiles, both fabrics and yarns, but is not applicable to loose fibres. Its adoption helps textile producers, testing laboratories, and quality assessment professionals evaluate and compare products’ performance in wet cleaning conditions.
Key Topics
- Colour fastness assessment: Establishes procedures to measure the resistance of pigment printed textiles to colour change when subjected to wet scrubbing.
- Standardized apparatus and reagents: Details the use of a defined scrubbing device, polyamide-bristle brushes, and specified soap or detergent solutions to ensure repeatable results.
- Test conditions: Regulates parameters such as temperature, scrub cycles, and solution-to-specimen ratios to mimic real-world cleaning processes.
- Grading Colour Change: Utilizes an ISO grey scale for a uniform and objective evaluation of colour change post-testing.
- Reporting requirements: Specifies essential details to be recorded in the test report, enhancing traceability and consistency.
Applications
The EN ISO 105-C07:2001 standard is crucial in multiple sectors of the textiles industry, particularly where high colour durability against washing and cleaning is essential. Typical applications include:
- Textile manufacturing: Assisting manufacturers in evaluating and optimizing the wet scrubbing resistance of their pigment printed or dyed fabrics before market release.
- Quality assurance: Serving retail brands and suppliers to verify incoming material compliance with predefined colour fastness standards.
- Research & Development: Supporting R&D teams in developing improved pigments, binders, and printing processes with enhanced wet fastness.
- Product labeling: Enabling accurate consumer information about textile care, ensuring satisfactory long-term appearance and quality.
- Third-party testing & certification: Providing a unified method for laboratories and certification bodies to assess product durability in accordance with internationally recognized criteria.
Related Standards
EN ISO 105-C07:2001 is part of the broader ISO 105 series, which covers comprehensive tests for colour fastness in textiles. Key related standards include:
- ISO 105-A01: General principles of testing for colour fastness.
- ISO 105-A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour.
- ISO 105-C01: Colour fastness to washing - Test 1.
- ISO 105-C06: Colour fastness to domestic and commercial laundering.
These interlinked standards ensure a holistic approach to evaluating textile colour fastness under various conditions, including washing, laundering, exposure to light, rubbing, and more.
By following EN ISO 105-C07:2001, organizations can enhance product quality, minimize complaints, and elevate customer satisfaction. The standard provides both manufacturers and consumers assurance that pigment printed textiles retain their appearance and performance throughout their lifecycle, particularly under repeated wet cleaning. For any textiles-related business focused on durability, usability, and international compliance, adherence to this standard is a critical factor.