Overview
EN ISO 105-C09:2003/A1:2007 is a European Standard developed by CEN, adopting the ISO 105-C09:2001/Amd 1:2003 amendment, focused on testing the colour fastness of textiles in the context of domestic and commercial laundering. The standard specifies test methods for evaluating the oxidative bleach response of textiles using non-phosphate reference detergents combined with a low temperature bleach activator. This amendment updates the testing procedure with new reference systems to better simulate modern laundering conditions where phosphate-free detergents and improved bleaching agents are utilized.
This standard is essential for textile manufacturers, testing laboratories, and quality control teams aiming to assess textile durability and colour retention under bleaching laundry processes that reflect real-world washing environments.
Key Topics
- Colour Fastness Testing: Evaluates how textile colours withstand washing processes involving oxidative bleaching agents.
- Non-Phosphate Detergents: Incorporates detergents free from phosphates, reflecting environmental and regulatory trends toward phosphate reduction.
- Low Temperature Bleach Activators: Uses bleach activators like tetra-acetylethylenediamine (TAED) or sodium nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (SNOBS) active at lower temperatures to simulate typical household and commercial washing.
- Reference Detergent Systems:
- ECE Reference Detergent with sodium perborate tetrahydrate and TAED.
- AATCC 1993 Standard Reference Detergent (without optical brightener and phosphate) with sodium perborate monohydrate and SNOBS.
- Detailed Procedure: Includes preparation of wash liquor, wash cycles at specified temperatures (20°C to 60°C), rinsing, drying, conditioning, and colour evaluation.
- Colour Assessment: Utilizes grey scale or instrumental methods to quantify colour changes post-laundering, ensuring objective results consistent with other ISO 105 parts.
Applications
This standard applies to:
- Textile manufacturers seeking to verify the durability and colour stability of fabrics exposed to bleaching during laundering.
- Quality control laboratories conducting standardized colour fastness tests to ensure compliance with product specifications.
- Laundry detergent formulators who aim to test the compatibility and effects of their non-phosphate detergents and bleach activators on textiles.
- Retailers and importers requiring objective testing to verify textile claims for consumer information.
- Environmental compliance by using phosphate-free detergents aligned with regulations restricting phosphates in detergents.
- Research and development in textile chemistry that demands consistent and reproducible test methods for oxidative bleach resistance.
The methods outlined serve both industrial and household laundering conditions, supporting textile performance claims and improving product reliability in markets worldwide.
Related Standards
- ISO 105 Series – Other colour fastness testing parts, including:
- ISO 105-A02: Assessment of Grey Scales for colour change and staining.
- ISO 105-A05: Artificial light source for colour fastness tests.
- ISO 105-J01 / J03: Other test methods for colour fastness to domestic and commercial laundering.
- AATCC Test Methods – Established test methods aligned with modern detergent formulations and bleaching agents.
- Environmental Standards on Detergents – Regulations guiding the use of phosphate-free detergents in washing processes.
- ISO 6330 – Domestic washing and drying procedures for textile testing.
- ISO 105-C10 – Test for colour fastness to bleaching with hypochlorite.
By adhering to EN ISO 105-C09:2003/A1:2007, stakeholders ensure that textiles meet rigorous standards for colour endurance during bleaching in washing, contributing to sustainable product performance and consumer satisfaction. This standard supports the transition towards environmentally responsible laundering procedures while maintaining high-quality textile evaluations.