Environmental textiles: Testing and certification

The enlightened consumer, knowing his/her rights, has become conscious of not only the performance of the textile and garments, but also the need for environmental protection and social responsibility while such materials are produced. This chapter explains the significance of environmental textile testing and how it transcends the specific category of performance textiles. It deals with various harmful effects of colorants under banned azo dyes and explains the method of estimation of such colorants. The concept of ecofriendly textile processing stresses the importance of speciality chemicals and finishing auxiliaries which are safe to the environment as well as the wearer. It highlights the methods of estimation of heavy metals and hazardous chemicals and also explains various ecolabels which can give assurance of quality and safety standards to the brands, retailers, and consumers.