Overview
EN ISO 17228:2015 - Leather - Tests for colour fastness - Change in colour with accelerated ageing (ISO 17228:2015) defines standard procedures to assess how leather colour and appearance change when exposed to accelerated ageing conditions. The standard specifies controlled ageing by heat, heat with elevated humidity, or cyclic temperature/humidity variations and gives guidance for preparing specimens and assessing colour change. It also supports preparing specimens for dimensional-change testing (ISO 17130).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Ageing procedures: Three main options - ageing by heat alone, ageing by heat plus elevated humidity, and cyclic variation of temperature and humidity. The standard provides a range of predefined conditions (e.g., from 24 h at 60 °C up to extended treatments, including options at 100 °C and 120 °C) to match different leather types and intended uses.
- Specimen preparation: Condition specimens per ISO 2419 and cut representative samples (minimum 100 mm × 100 mm). If using whole hides, follow ISO 2418 sampling locations.
- Apparatus: Requires a controlled oven and/or climate chamber (temperature ±2 °C, humidity ±5 % where applicable), specimen holders preventing contact with chamber walls, timing devices and standard assessment tools.
- Colour assessment: Evaluate change in colour using the ISO grey scale (ISO 105‑A02) or instrumental methods compliant with ISO 105‑A05. Staining assessment follows ISO 105‑A03/A04. Note any changes in finish or appearance.
- Reconditioning and reporting: After ageing, specimens are cooled and reconditioned per ISO 2419 before assessment. Test report must record method, conditions, duration and results.
Applications and practical value
- Provides reproducible, standardized tests for quality control, R&D and supplier verification of leather colour fastness.
- Useful for tanneries, leather finishers, footwear and apparel manufacturers, automotive interior suppliers and independent testing laboratories to:
- Predict yellowing and colour shifts under elevated temperatures/humidity.
- Compare finishes, dyes and treatments for stability.
- Prepare specimens for dimensional-change testing (ISO 17130) after ageing.
- Helps specify appropriate ageing protocols depending on product end-use (e.g., automotive leather vs. general-purpose leather).
Who should use this standard
- Leather technologists, quality assurance teams, laboratory managers, product designers and specification writers in leather, footwear, apparel and automotive industries.
Related standards
- ISO 105‑A01, A02, A03, A04, A05 (colour-fastness assessment)
- ISO 2418 (sampling location)
- ISO 2419 (sample preparation and conditioning)
- ISO 17130 (dimensional change)
EN ISO 17228:2015 is a practical reference for standardized accelerated ageing tests to evaluate leather colour fastness, helping manufacturers and labs make evidence-based decisions about material durability and finish performance.