Overview
EN ISO 15703:1999 - Leather - Tests for colour fastness - Colour fastness to mild washing (ISO 15703:1998) is an internationally recognized standard developed by CEN and ISO. This document specifies the procedure for determining the resistance of leather to mild washing. It is designed to assess the degree of colour change, the staining of adjacent fabrics, as well as any alteration in the finish of the leather after subjecting it to a controlled mild wash process. This standard is critical for ensuring the consistent quality, durability, and market suitability of leather products, particularly those likely to undergo gentle laundering during use.
Key Topics
- Colour Fastness Testing: Provides standardized methods for assessing how well dyed or finished leather retains its colour when subjected to mild washing.
- Assessment Parameters:
- Degree of colour change in the leather
- Staining of adjacent textile fabrics
- Changes in leather surface or finish
- Testing Procedure: Details preparation of test specimens, selection of adjacent fabrics, washing process conditions, evaluation using grey scales, and reporting requirements.
- Use of Reference Materials: Involves specific detergents, PTFE rods, and multi-fibre adjacent fabrics conforming to related ISO standards.
- Reporting Results: Specifies the data to document, including the tested leather type, washing conditions, evaluation method used, and observed effects.
Applications
The standard is relevant across the leather supply chain and is especially valuable in the following scenarios:
- Footwear and Apparel: Manufacturers of shoes, garments, and accessories use this standard to ensure their products maintain colour integrity after cleaning.
- Upholstery and Automotive: Producers of leather furniture and vehicle seats rely on these tests to uphold quality claims related to durability and easy maintenance.
- Testing Laboratories: Third-party labs use EN ISO 15703:1999 to deliver consistent, recognized colour fastness results for clients in various industries.
- Quality Assurance: Brands and retailers specify this test as part of their procurement criteria to guarantee product performance for end-users.
- Product Development: Helps R&D teams in the leather industry to formulate finishes and dyeing processes that deliver improved washing fastness.
By providing a clear methodology, this standard supports the reputation and competitiveness of leather goods in global markets, where consumers and regulatory bodies demand reliable, high-quality materials.
Related Standards
For comprehensive quality assurance in leather and textiles, EN ISO 15703:1999 is often applied alongside the following standards:
- ISO 105 Series: Procedures for colour fastness testing in textiles, including:
- ISO 105-A01: General principles of testing
- ISO 105-A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
- ISO 105-A03: Grey scale for assessing staining
- ISO 105-F10: Specification for multi-fibre adjacent fabric
- ISO 105-A04/A05: Instrumental assessment methods
- ISO 2419: Leather - Conditioning of test pieces for physical tests
- ISO 3696: Water for analytical laboratory use - Specification and test methods
- IUP 2: Sampling procedures for leather
- IUF 120: General principles of colour fastness testing of leather
Implementing EN ISO 15703:1999, together with these standards, ensures robust assessment and consistent quality for leather goods internationally.
Keywords: EN ISO 15703:1999, colour fastness, leather testing, mild washing, leather durability, standard washing test, CEN, ISO 15703, leather quality, textile staining, leather industry standards.