Formaldehyde Limits Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions buyers ask most often about Formaldehyde Limits.
What does it mean?
maximum free formaldehyde in fabric. Working figures for Formaldehyde Limits normally sit around below 75 ppm for skin contact in mainstream production. Note ISO 14184-1 determination on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
What value should be specified?
Start from below 75 ppm for skin contact and adjust for the end use of the garment. Record elastane content alongside Formaldehyde Limits, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside below 75 ppm for skin contact usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
How is it tested?
ISO 14184-1 determination. Keeping reference values for Formaldehyde Limits lets suppliers quote without extra sampling rounds. Ask for conditioning details together with ISO 14184-1 determination, since both affect the reading.
Why does it change between lots?
Process variables such as finishing temperature and elastane batch cause the normal spread of results. Working figures for Formaldehyde Limits normally sit around below 75 ppm for skin contact in mainstream production. Note ISO 14184-1 determination on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Can results be compared across suppliers?
Only when the same standard revision and conditioning are used; otherwise measurements are not equivalent. Record elastane content alongside Formaldehyde Limits, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside below 75 ppm for skin contact usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
