Consumers are buying more home textiles as Christmas gifts this year

How can you ensure the product safety of your goods?

Recent surveys show that consumers have changed their purchasing habits during the pandemic. As they spend more time at home, they are purchasing more home textiles such as bedding, quilts, pillowcases and cushions. It is believed that this trend will continue as we approach Christmas.

Although Christmas is three months away, brands and online retailers are getting orders ready to arrive on the shop floor or their websites in time for Christmas shopping.

Everyone is looking forward to a warm and safe holiday season after many months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Safety is top of mind at the moment for us all, and this consideration extends to the product safety of the gifts and items consumers are purchasing, and assurance that they fulfill compliance and safety requirements.

So which factors should brands, retailers and sellers consider to ensure the safety of their home textile goods?

Product Safety 1. Hazardous Chemicals

Throughout the manufacturing process, from raw materials to manufactured textile goods, various chemicals are added to the textiles in the form of dyes, prints and auxiliaries to achieve the desired final look and product. Some of the chemicals used can be dangerous for end users, or hazardous to the environment if these are contained in the product and released through wear, use or disposal.

Azo dyes, formaldehyde, phthalates or heavy metals are some of the most common chemicals which should be closely monitored through testing. Formaldehyde, for example, has been used in textiles production for the last century but has recently been identified as carcinogenic to humans.

Product Safety 2. Flammability

The flammability of textile goods, particularly home textiles, was of great concern in Europe two or three decades ago. Multiple cases of fire hazards caused by cigarettes and fireplaces in winter months were recorded which resulted in fatalities, and authorities decided to minimise such risks by measuring the flammability of textile goods to protect consumers.

Now, ease of ignition, ease of flame spread and tendency to melt are the key elements of textile goods which must be evaluated before they go on sale. Taking the US as an example, the 16 CFR 1630, which is the standard for the flammability of carpets and rugs, establishes a requirement that evaluates the spread of a given ignition.

Product Safety 3. Physical & Mechanical

The physical and mechanical properties of goods are sometimes underestimated in terms of the hazard they can pose to users. This is especially important when it comes to babies and children, who are more vulnerable to injuries and accidents. Special care has to be taken to make sure that the product does not represent a risk to the end user. For instance, does it have sharp points and edges or small pieces which could be a choking hazard for a child. In the European Union, there are several standards which cover the physical and mechanical safety of children’s products, but in the absence of any specific rule, the EN 71-1 is commonly used as a reference in order to carry out an assessment of the mechanical safety of products such as blankets and decorative elements (non-toys), etc., which may be appealing to or are intended for children.

From product development to market surveillance, at Eurofins Softlines & Leather we can support our customers to ensure product compliance at every stage of their product´s lifecycle. Learn more about our testing services here.