ISO 30023:2021

Overview

ISO 30023:2021 - Textiles - Qualification symbols for labelling workwear to be industrially laundered defines a standardized set of graphical qualification symbols for marking workwear and protective clothing to indicate suitability for professional industrial laundering. The standard specifies the appearance and use of symbols that communicate washing procedures (linked to ISO 15797), bleaching, and drying options (tumble drying or tunnel/cabinet finishing). It applies to garments supplied to professional launderers and requires appropriate testing before symbols are applied.

Key topics and requirements

• Symbol system: A distinctive “PRO” rectangular mark identifies professional industrial laundering. Washing procedures are shown as reverse-text numbers that reference specific ISO 15797 wash cycles. Drying is indicated by:
  • Tumble drying: hexagon inside an outline square (ISO 7000 – 3008).
  • Tunnel/cabinet finishing: outline square divided into three horizontal rectangles (ISO 7000 – 3009).
• Testing prerequisite: Only garments successfully tested according to ISO 15797 (industrial washing and finishing procedures) may carry the related symbols.
• Label placement and durability:
  • Symbols may be placed on the garment, containers or invoices for bulk items.
  • If on the garment, labels must be made of materials with care-resistance at least equal to the article and remain legible for the article’s lifetime.
  • Labels must be affixed so they are easily found and read.
• Interpretation rules:
  • Absence of a symbol can mean the item was not tested for that treatment or failed testing.
  • Drying symbols should only be used when the garment has undergone the appropriate drying test methods.
• Selection criteria and test methods: Annex A lists relevant characteristics and test methods for correct symbol assignment, including laboratory tests (e.g., colour fastness per ISO 105-A01/A02/A03), machine (semi-scale) tests per ISO 15797, and sensory assessments. Typical assessed attributes include shrinkage, pilling, breaking strength, abrasion, crease recovery and accessory function.

Applications and users

ISO 30023:2021 is practical for:

• Workwear and PPE manufacturers and designers who must specify launderability.
• Textile suppliers and rental companies in the uniform/textile rental sector.
• Professional launderers and industrial laundries that process workwear.
• Compliance teams, product labelling and quality-assurance personnel who manage lifecycle and maintenance information for industrial garments.

Benefits include clearer communication across the supply chain, reduced laundering errors, and improved garment lifecycle management.

Related standards

• ISO 15797 (industrial washing and finishing procedures)
• ISO 3175 (dry and wet cleaning)
• ISO 3758 (domestic textile care symbols)
• ISO 105 series (colour fastness testing)
• ISO 7000 (graphical symbols for use on equipment)