Solar UV Protection Properties of Textiles and Identification according to PSA Regulation

Life on Earth cannot be imagined without the sun. However, its life-giving rays can lead to damages on human skin in many ways including sunburn, premature aging, age spots and even skin cancer

Consumers are getting more and more concerned about the sun’s harmful rays. To the same degree producer of fabrics and garments are becoming aware of the chances of textile UV protection and they are actively promoting these protection properties. Sun-protective clothing became popular in Australia as an alternative to sunscreens due to the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. There, the standard AS/NZS 4399 was already introduced in 1996 in order to measure the effectiveness of fabrics and garments under standardized laboratory conditions.

After that also Europe (EN 13758-1) and the US (AATCC 183) have developed their own testing standards. The EN 13758-1, which is valid in Europe, measures by using UV radiation of wavelengths that correspond to the sun light of the northern hemisphere.Measurement of UPF (UV protection factor) is done by using a laboratory instrument that projects UV radiation on the fabric surface and measures the amount that passes through the textile. This amount of UV radiation is then converted into the UPF. Up to now the European Standard EN 13758-2 ruled the labelling of UV-protective clothing.

According to the new European PPE Regulation (PPE = personal protective equipment) as from 2016 there was some new need for action concerning the correct labelling. Even though not explicitly mentioned in in the regulation (EU) 2016/425, the interpretation in the “PPE-Regulation-Guidelines” (Status April 2018) states that clothing, which is manufactured and equipped with special protection properties against natural UV will be classified as PPE Category I. This interpretation in general effects that a textile product is considered to be PPE Category I as soon as protective properties against natural UV radiation are advertised. This applies to both, products for professional as well as for private use.For PPE products of Category I a self-certification based on testing results which confirm the advertised UV protection will be sufficient. An examination certificate does not have to be applied for. The products have to show manufacturer information and indications concerning PPE regulation attachment II, paragraph 1.4 as well as the CE symbol.

The manufacturer/importer has to conduct an internal quality control and verify with related documentation that the sold products offer the promised protective properties. This is the pre-condition for the mandatory declaration of conformity.International standards are conducting the UPF measurements on new and relaxed conditions. At the same time the EN 13758-1 indicates, that garments often are used in conditions where the material is stretched and/or wet and this may change the protection properties of the fabric. Furthermore care treatments influence the protection factor.

In order to ensure the protective effect under realistic conditions and during the entire life cycle of the product, we, at Eurofins, are testing in addition to the usual international standards EN 13758-1, AATCC 183 or AS/NZS 4399 also under conditions which simulate these influences in use. Materials change their properties over time. Therefore we are also testing after aging and under conditions, which simulate utilization, i.e. after washing and rubbing as well as in wet and stretched condition.The experts of the international Eurofins Laboratory Network are offering their assistance in product identification according to PSA-Regulation and the European Standard EN 13758-2.

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