Color bleeding in towel exports: 2 critical ISO tests buyers look for
We examine the ISO tests and internationally accepted grey scale limits that must be reviewed before purchasing to prevent color bleeding risks in towel exports.
Color bleeding and fading in home textile products such as towels and bathrobes are among the most critical quality issues for manufacturers and exporters. A color bleeding problem that occurs after shipment can lead to the return of the entire order and serious financial losses. Therefore, requesting the correct test standards and correctly reading laboratory reports at the very beginning of the purchasing and production processes is of vital importance. The way to achieve color fastness in the towel group before purchasing is through internationally recognized ISO test standards.
Basic Analysis
Two basic test standards are taken as reference to measure color fastness in towel products. The first of these is the ISO 105-C06:2010 standard, which determines color fastness after washing. This standard provides the method for determining color fastness to domestic and commercial laundering. As specified in the standard, color loss and staining resulting from a single single (S) test give a result very close to one commercial or domestic wash. This test is a critical preliminary indicator to see the performance of the product in the first wash.
The second important standard is the ISO 105-X12:2016 standard, which measures rubbing fastness. This method determines the resistance of the color of all kinds of textile products, including pile fabrics such as towels, to transfer to other materials by rubbing and staining. Two different tests can be applied within the scope of the standard: one is performed with a dry rubbing cloth and the other with a wet rubbing cloth. The wet rubbing test has a special importance in products open to damp use such as towels.
When evaluating test results, grey scale grades ranging from 1 to 5 are used. On this scale, 5 represents the highest (best) fastness value, and 1 represents the lowest (worst). The minimum grades in buyers' specifications determine the acceptable threshold value. According to the limit values of OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 (Appendix 4/5, February 2025 version), which is one of the most important references in the sector, the minimum acceptable grade for dry rubbing fastness for pigment, vat, or sulfur (sulphurous) dyestuffs is set as 3.
- ISO 105-C06:2010: Measures the color loss and staining effect of a single wash test (S test), equivalent to one domestic or commercial washing cycle.
- ISO 105-X12:2016: Reveals the risk of staining by separately testing dry and wet rubbing fastness on pile surfaces such as towels.
- Minimum Threshold Values: Although based on buyer specifications, the minimum limit for dry rubbing under OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 for pigment, vat, or sulfur-dyed products is 3.
Why it matters
For Turkish towel manufacturers and exporters, verifying these test reports before shipment ensures zero-defect delivery in international markets and prevents potential customer complaints.
What the member can do
Follow these 3 concrete steps to prevent the risk of color bleeding before purchasing:
- Request Reports: Request up-to-date ISO 105-C06 and ISO 105-X12 test reports from the manufacturer or supplier before purchasing or contract manufacturing.
- Evaluate Dry and Wet Rubbing Separately: Examine both dry and wet rubbing results under ISO 105-X12; verify that the dry rubbing grade is at least 3 for pigment, vat, and sulfur dyestuffs according to OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 limits.
- Compare Specification Thresholds: Approve by comparing the 1-5 grey scale grades in the test reports with the minimum acceptance limits in your target buyer's technical specification.
This content was compiled with AI assistance from the cited source. (EU 2024/1689 Art. 50)
We examine the ISO tests and internationally accepted grey scale limits that must be reviewed before purchasing to prevent color bleeding risks in towel exports.
