Antimicrobial treatment in textiles and consumer products

Microbiological contamination can occur at various stages of the supply chain, including mould growth during storage and transportation due to inadequate environmental conditions. Antimicrobial treatment has become a sought-after feature in various consumer products, including intimate wear, home textiles, sportswear, and outdoor items like tents and backpacks. This property helps prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms, ensuring products remain fresh, hygienic, and durable.

Textiles and materials often require antimicrobial or antifungal properties to meet specific performance needs or offer added benefits. For example, footwear materials with bacterial-inhibiting properties can help prevent odour, while sportswear may incorporate these treatments to enhance functionality. 

These antimicrobial properties are typically applied through technical finishes, and testing is essential to verify that marketing claims align with consumer expectations.

Eurofins Softlines & Hardlines provides a comprehensive range of microbiological tests to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments in textiles and non-textile products. Our testing services adhere to international standards and client-specific requirements, ensuring accurate and reliable results for both antibacterial and antifungal properties:

Textile product testing

AATCC 100:2004 – Antibacterial Finishes on Textile Materials

A quantitative assessment that measures the effectiveness of antibacterial treatments on textile materials.

AATCC 30:2004 – Antifungal Activity on Textile Materials

A quantitative test evaluating the effectiveness of antifungal treatments, specifically assessing mould resistance in textiles.

AATCC 147 – Antibacterial Activity of Textile Materials: Parallel Streak Test

A qualitative visual test to establish the presence and effectiveness of antibacterial properties in textiles.

Non-textile product testing

ASTM E2149:2010 – Antimicrobial Activity of Immobilized Agents Under Dynamic Contact Conditions

This test measures the antimicrobial effectiveness of treatments applied to non-textile materials under real-world conditions.

Expertise in global compliance

We provide in-depth knowledge of evolving global regulations, ensuring your products are always compliant with regional and international standards.

Comprehensive testing solutions

From softlines to hardlines, our tailored testing services address the unique challenges of each product category, delivering precise, reliable results.

Global network with local expertise

With our extensive network of labs and experts worldwide, understand the specific regulatory nuances of each market.

Sustainability-driven

We leverage the latest advancements in testing technology to develop solutions that prioritise environmental responsibility across your supply chain.