FibreGuard | In the lab

ISO standards extend outside of product manufacturing. Labotex itself operates under a laboratory-specific certification (ISO 17025) that identifies strict requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of laboratories. It’s an international standard that is applicable to all organisations performing laboratory activities, regardless of the number of staff. Additionally, their ISO 9001 certified Quality Management system is a globally recognised specification based on several quality management principles including a strong customer focus, the motivation and implication of top management, the process approach, and continual improvement.

Adhering to internationally regulated systems like ISO ensures that customers consistently receive high-quality products and services. The ISO standards applicable to the development of FibreGuard fabrics include:

• Washability standards (ISO 3759). FibreGuard fabrics are fully washable at a range of temperatures and methods.
• Dimensional stability (ISO 3759) testing, which evaluates the dimensional stability of the fabric when hanging.
• Martindale and Wyzenbeek abrasion testing (EN 14465, ASTM D4157) and Pilling testing (ISO 12945-2, ASTM D 3511) evaluate how our fabrics will look and perform even after prolonged use.

Read more in our articles about Abrasion Testing and Pilling Testing

• Tensile strength (ISO 13934-1) and Tearing strength (ISO 13937-3). Both tests focus on upholstery fabrics; the tensile strength test measures the fabric’s strength and percentage of elongation until rupture, while the tearing strength test measures the amount of force needed to tear the fabric.
• Seam slippage (ISO 13936-2). The seam slippage test measures upholstery fabric’s movement at the seam.

Read more in our article about Seam Slippage.

• Colour fastness to light (ISO 105-B02). This test records the fading of the colour of the fabric when exposed to light; especially important for FibreGuard Outdoor fabrics and their robust colourfast to light-resistant qualities.

Read more in our article about Colourfastness.

• Stain removal fabrics testing. FibreGuard and Labotex have developed a unique set of testing criteria to guarantee ultimate cleanability, stain-on-stain removal, wash after wash.

To guarantee cleanability and stain removal wash after wash, FibreGuard has developed a unique set of testing criteria to ensure lasting performance. 17 common household stains are applied to the fabric and must be removable under a range of different conditions, including after resting on the fabric for several hours and following multiple washes.

These common household stains include:

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Oil
• Ball point pen
• Wax crayon
• Mud
• Yoghurt
• Chocolate
• Mascara
• Red wine
• Coffee
• Fruit juice
• Biological materials like blood, sweat or vomit

To be included in the product range released each year, every FibreGuard fabric must meet these ISO Standards and pass the Labotex stain-removal tests. Such thorough regulations ensure FibreGuard products are high-quality, so you can be confident that they are kind to your family, the environment, and your wallet.