The Analytical Laboratory is pleased to announce that new bespoke leather testing packages are now available from our on site fully equipped state of the art laboratory here in Birmingham. Three levels of Leatherwear testing packages are available to ensure your individual requirements are met – whether you are looking to ensure ‘Full Compliance’ or ‘Risk only’ – we are here to help and can offer advice and consultancy whatever your query may be. We have no membership fee to use our UKAS accredited Laboratory and as well as the packages highlighted below, we also offer a full range of tests on leather and textiles – both physical and chemical testing.

Packages Available

1. High Risk Leather Package -

Includes: Azo Dyes and Chromium VI

Turnaround Time – just 3 Working Days

2. Chemical Leather Package -

Includes: Azo Dyes, Chromium VI, Formaldehyde, DMFu and Chlorinated Phenols

Turnaround Time – 5 Working Days

3. Full Leather Package -

Includes: All of package 2, plus Organotin compounds, Alkyl phenols - APs, APEOs, Leather Verification, pH and colour fastness to leather testing.

Turnaround Time – 5 Working Days

 email: testing@theassayoffice.co.uk for prices

An A-Z of leather tests The Analytical Laboratory offers: The Analytical Laboratory specialises in tests to ensure that leatherwear meets European legislation, restricting the level of toxic elements causing health problems, pollution and long term damage after disposal. Alkyl phenols (APs and APEOs) Alkyl phenols are used as wetting and emulsifying agents and detergents on all fibre types (non-ionic surfactants for degreasing, scouring and bleaching fibres and leather). They are a skin irritant and an environmental hazard. Azo Dyes - Carcinogenic Amines Azo colourants are widely used in textile fibres, leather, plastics, papers, mineral oils, waxes, foodstuffs and cosmetics. Regulations for Azo dyestuffs relate to the amines formed by reductive degradation and which are classified as carcinogenic. Chlorinated Phenols (PCP, TCP and TeCP) Leather and textile products tend to get attacked by fungi which causes mould spots, to prevent this sometimes chlorinated phenols like PCP, TCP and TeCP are applied. These chemicals are both toxic and carcinogenic.  Therefore restrictions are in place on the use of chlorinated phenols throughout Europe. Chromium VI Chromium VI is a by product created during the leather tanning process which is undesirable as it is toxic, an irritant and carcinogenic. From May 2015 Chromium VI will be regulated throughout the EU by the Reach Regulations, these regulations will restrict Chromium VI in leather, many manufacturers, suppliers and retailers are therefore already testing their items to determine if they will stand up against the new regulations.   Colour Fastness Colour fastness tests are undertaken for quality assurance, to ensure that the leather product is fit for purpose and will meet consumer expectations during normal use. The Analytical Laboratory is able to carry out to and fro (veslic) rub tests, circular rub tests, perspiration tests and water contact stain tests which are all applicable for leather components, to ensure that colour doesn’t fade from the leather or stain on to other articles.   Dimethyl Fumarate (DMFu) Dimethyl Fumarate is a chemical with preservative qualities however it is a volatile compound harmful to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract through inhalation, skin contact or ingestion. Typically found in small sachets of white crystals which are common in packaging for leather and textile goods. Therefore restrictions are in place on the use of DMFu throughout Europe.   Formaldehyde Formaldehyde is used in the production of fabrics (for crease resistant finishes) and leather tanning Exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to adverse health effects.  Typically this occurs through inhalation or skin contact. Leather Verification The British Standard Glossary of Leather Terms, BS 2780:1983 defines what a leather item is. The Analytical Laboratory is able to facilitate your leather verification requirements to determine whether items can be described as Leather. Organotin Compounds Organotins are active ingredients contained within anti microbial finishes and are preservatives on leather skins. Used in Chemicals to stop mould. Additives in PVC, PU and silicone coatings. They are toxic, skin irritants and an environmental hazard. pH Testing

pH is a measurement scale to indicate the level of acidity and alkalinity in a product or process. The scale ranges from 1 to 14 where the pH value 7 indicates the neutral condition, Textiles and leathers with extreme pH level may cause allergy.

      Contact The Analytical Laboratory today for more information and to request your cost effective leather testing:

T: 0121 262 1017   E: testing@theassayoffice.co.uk  W: www.thelaboratory.co.uk    

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