Ensure the quality and safety of your leather and leathergoods with Intertek’s comprehensive testing and assurance solutions
Leathergoods, including clothing, belts, as well as small goods, are not only high-value items, but are also highly variable in terms of species, types of leather, dyeing/colour, chemicals employed in finishing, and microbiological activity. Intertek has unparalleled expertise in identifying the species and the chemicals used in dyeing and finishing, ensuring that the products meet your quality requirements and the safety requirements of regions you market to such as GB Testing for entering China and more. Our laboratories have the precision and capabilities to validate professional leather clean labels, and can not only reveal any deficiencies but also can suggest remedial measures.
Chemicals in Leather
Chromium (VI), certain azo colorants, formaldehyde, and pentachlorophenol are harmful substances that may be found in leather. Intertek possesses high-technology analytical equipment to determine low levels of these chemicals, which can cause health problems to consumers and/or pollute the environment.
Handbags and Small Luggage
The strength of strap fastenings is an important consideration in the quality assessment of handbags and luggage. Intertek can carry out all strength tests utilizing state-of-the-art equipment to assess the risk of strap failures, whether at fastenings (e.g., buckles) or where the strap is attached to the body of the item itself.
Belts
From an assessment of the components of a belt for labeling purposes, color fastness (wet and dry rub fastness, and more) to the tarnishing of buckles and metal components, Intertek can test to all clients' requirements to ensure the products are “fit for purpose”.
Leather Clothing
Tests such as dry cleaning fastness, light fastness, finish adhesion and veslic rubbing can be carried out on finished garments or materials and components before manufacturing. Components such as zip, linings, interlinings, and buttons should also be assessed for performance. In addition, a cleansing assessment of the whole garment may also be considered.
Small Goods (Purses and Wallets)
Tests such as attachment strength of gilt corner pieces, clasp attachment, seam strength and abrasion resistance of linings, flex resistance of outers, and more, can all be carried out on small leathergoods items. Strap/handle strength tests, abrasion resistance, flex resistance, and seam strength tests are all important for luggage items for obvious reasons. Our high-capacity tensile testing equipment ensures that Intertek can test all luggage items beyond what may be expected of them in use.
In addition to the leather testing solutions stated above, Intertek also offers a full suite of services for each and every chemical found in your product including toxicity assessments, chemical certification and quality assurance solutions.
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End-to-End Solution for Footwear and Leathergoods
Footwear brands and retailers face many challenges as they strive to maintain a competitive edge in a crowded industry.
Intertek’s global network of technical experts and state-of-the-art laboratories deliver world-class support services that enable footwear brands and retailers to achieve success by minimizing risk and avoiding costly product recalls; demonstrating compliance with unique safety regulations in different markets; developing innovative products by leveraging our testing expertise; and expanding into new markets quickly and confidently.
What is InterLink?
InterLink is a data management tool that helps global retailers and brands monitor progress, compliance, documentation, supply chain collaboration, and data and performance analysis.
