THE IMPORTANCE OF RECOGNISED INDUSTRY PRODUCT TESTING

In many industries an accreditation badge or certificate is often an acknowledgement of joining a recognised group or governing body. However, it is important to note that this is not the case when it comes to Fiber ProTector; we are behind this brand because of its tested and proven protection claims.

THE PROCESS OF PRODUCT TESTING

The WoolSafe Organisation, a globally recognised body, sets a rigid criteria of testing parameters for textiles – upholstery fabric, carpets and rugs. When a company’s product passes those tests, they are awarded certification to attest to passing the assessments.

Products are submitted annually for testing to ensure the validity of the product.

Three of our products are submitted annually for testing: Fiber ProTector, Decorgard and WonderSpot

The testing criteria they have all passed are:

1. effectiveness on all textile types to resist against oil and water based contamination
2. will not change the colour of what it is applied to
3. will not change the texture (feel) of what it is applied to
4. no harmful chemicals
5. will not harm the textile through ingredient composition
6. determination of colour fastness to daylight
7. will have no adverse effect on any textile it is applied to, both natural and synthetic

Download the full outline of the evaluation process to claim the WoolSafe, CleanSeal and EnviroSeal certification for textile floor coverings and furnishing fabric:

THE RESULTS OF INDUSTRY PRODUCT TESTING

Premium Surface Protection are proud to announce that year after year we receive WoolSafe Accreditation Certification for Fiber protector, Decorgard and Wonderspot.

Fiber Protector is used globally in some of the most demanding environments and highly governed industries such as Aerospace, Hospitality, Rail and Accommodation. Because of this, there are many independent laboratory tests, so please enquire with us if there is a particular test you would like to view.

THE MOST COMMON TESTS AND RESULTS

⊕ Fluorocarbons (PFOA & PFOS) Content Test

This test was conducted by FITI, the Institute of Quality Assurance Testing of Geosynthetics and Environmental Analysis. The Fluorocarbons Content Test shows PFOS & PFOA were not detected in Fiber ProTector. Fiber ProTector does NOT contain any perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or any perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)

⊕ Skin Patch Test

This test performed by Katri, shows that no skin irritation was detected when testing 20 individuals. Cotton fabric samples were soaked with Fiber ProTector and dried. The dried samples were placed on the forearms of 20 test subjects. After 24 hours the patches were removed, and the test subjects’ forearms were examined. There were no reactions or any visible change to the areas of skin tested.

⊕ Bacteriostatic Reduction Test

This bacteriostatic test was performed by FITI, the Institute of Quality Assurance Testing of Geosynthetics and Environmental Analysis. Fiber ProTector treated fabric samples were tested alongside untreated fabric samples containing Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, then incubated for 18 hours. The untreated samples had a significant increase in bacterial growth. The Fiber ProTector treated samples had a 99.9% reduction of both bacteria.

⊕ Antimicrobial Test

This antimicrobial test was performed by Gary Brierley who is an environmental scientist with specialist knowledge in fluvial geomorphology and is Chair of Physical Geography, School of Geography and Environmental Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. This test was used to determine the antimicrobial effect of a Fiber ProTector treated fabric. Environmental bacteria was added to the 2 textile cloth samples.
After 24 hours, the Fiber ProTector sample was very effective in reducing the level of environmental bacteria.

⊕ IMO Smoke & Toxicity Fire Test on Fire Retardant Carpet

SINTEF is Norway’s largest research institute for energy and climate technology. They have leading experts & labs for testing environmentally friendly buildings, renewable energy, oil pollution control, clean water, adaptation to climate change and the capture, transport and storage of CO2. They performed 3 IMO FTPC Part 2 “Smoke and Toxicity Tests” on Fire Retardant Trevira CS fabric treated with Fiber Protector. The results showed NO change to the Fire Retardant & met the criteria to materials with low smoke production and low smoke toxicity.

⊕ Carpet Flammability Test Certificate

Lufthansa Technik, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, provides maintenance, completions, repair, & overhaul (MRO) services for aircraft, and maintenance, repair, and MRO services for engines and components. Lufthansa tested 2 different carpets treated with Fiber ProTector for use in their aircraft.
Both protected carpets passed the Flammability Test for FAA Certification.

⊕ Fire Certification Statement

Det Norske Veritas is a free-standing, autonomous and independent foundation whose purpose is to safeguard life, property & the environment. They certified the fire technical properties of curtains, upholstered furniture & carpet that were protected by Fiber ProTector would not be impaired and could therefore be used on board DNV classed vessels. Fiber ProTector has been used on 15 large passenger Cruise Ships after this certification was given.
Fiber ProTector is certified not to impair or impede the fire technical properties of treated textiles.

⊕ Leather Flammability Report for FAA

FLAME-TEK specializes in FAA approved flammability testing of aircraft interior materials. Their activity in the FAA’s flammability working group ensures they are up to date and compliant on all regulations and Methods of Compliance (MOCs). 4 Castle Rock Leather Samples were tested, 2 with Fiber ProTector and 2 without.
The Fiber ProTector treated leather samples did not show any negative flammability effects & passed the Flammability Test for FAA Certification.

⊕ Air Permeability Test

This air permeability test performed by FITI Testing & Research Institute, shows that fabric treated with Fiber ProTector retains its breathability. Linen fabric was tested before and after being treated with Fiber ProTector and the results were clear, the ability of air to pass through the fabric is not affected.

⊕ Comparison Test of Fiber ProTector Treated vs. Untreated Carpet

Teknologisk Institutt, now known as Kiwa, a leader in the European Testing, Inspection & Certification industry, performed the comparison testing of Fiber ProTector treated carpet verses untreated carpet. The testing evaluated 5 different factors over a period of 1 year. The results and conclusions are as follows:
In the Texture & Color Test, there was no change to the Fiber ProTector treated carpet under a 4-50x microscope.
In the Fiber Loss Test, there was no difference of fiber loss between the protected & unprotected carpets.
In the Antistatic Properties Test, the Fiber ProTector carpet gave a personal charge of up to 700% less than the untreated carpet, which means that carpets protected with Fiber ProTector are significantly more Antistatic (up to 7 times more Antistatic) than untreated carpets.
In the Dirt Absorption Test, the results showed that a significantly greater amount of dirt was able to be removed from the Fiber ProTector treated carpets verses the untreated carpets. This means that vacuuming is much more effective, leaving less dirt & soil in the carpet fibers that causes wear and a dirty appearance. Removing more dirt & soil from carpets also decreases the frequency of professional cleanings over a carpet’s lifespan. The year-long tests conclude that Fiber ProTector treated carpets will have a strong positive influence on an indoor environment.

⊕ WoolSafe EnviroSeal Certificate

Fiber ProTector (Water-Based) is the 1st and ONLY protection product in the world to be awarded with the WoolSafe EnviroSeal® Certification. EnviroSeal is an evaluation and certification program for environmentally responsible maintenance products suitable for use on carpets, rugs, and furnishing fabrics containing natural or synthetic fibers. Products are evaluated and certified by ENCO Global Testing Services, a leading environmental testing facility, providing environmental testing and consultancy to companies worldwide. EnviroSeal® certification is a crucial independent confirmation of a cleaning product’s environmentally responsible formulation, and an integral part of an ecological, “green” cleaning maintenance program. A product must increase the useful life of a carpet or rug, thus helping the environment to be awarded with the EnviroSeal® certification.