Technical Standard
International testing protocols provide a standardized method for detecting specific plasticizers in textile materials. The DIN EN 17137 standard focuses on the identification and quantification of phthalates in fabrics and components through gas chromatography. This methodology ensures that laboratories across different regions produce comparable results when auditing for compliance.
Regulatory Context
Global trade relies on recognized benchmarks to verify that apparel meets the safety requirements of the European market. Adherence to DIN EN 17137 allows manufacturers to demonstrate that their products do not contain harmful chemicals that could migrate into the skin of the wearer. The document details the extraction process using organic solvents such as toluene or dichloromethane to remove the phthalates from the polymer matrix of the textile.
This extraction is a critical step because it ensures that even small concentrations are captured for analysis.
Testing Procedure
Lab technicians prepare a sample by cutting the fabric into small pieces and weighing them before the extraction begins. Under the DIN EN 17137 guidelines, the resulting liquid is injected into a mass spectrometer to identify the chemical signature of each phthalate present. This precision prevents the false identification of benign additives as restricted substances.
Commercial Impact
Retailers use the certification of this standard as a prerequisite for accepting shipments of synthetic or coated garments. If a product fails the DIN EN 17137 test, the manufacturer must investigate the source of contamination in the supply chain, which often leads to the replacement of a specific ink or adhesive supplier. Regular testing programs maintain the integrity of the brand and protect the health of the end user.
