Leather has been used for centuries in a myriad of applications like fashion, furniture, automotive interiors and accessories. Quality and performance can mean a lot in terms of the value and life of products made from leather. Thus, it is important to test leather in the right manner to maintain the standards of the product and conformance to the consumer expectations. In this article, we have discussed in detail about the diversity of testing services for leather. Focus is put mainly on antimicrobial testing services for leather and how important they are to maintain top-tier quality in the material.

The importance of leather testing lab

The quality, durability, and safety of the product must be verified through leather testing before it’s released into the market.  Hence any manufacturing flaws can be identified before reaching the market in order to ensure brand reputation. Conformity under appropriate industry standards is performed to confirm that products made from leathers meet the regulations that are required for admitting such a product into various markets and, more importantly, assuring consumer safety.

Types of leather testing services

Physical testing

Some physical examinations would be used in the evaluation of the leather’s mechanical properties with reference to its strength, flexibility and abrasion resistance. The common physical tests include:

• Tensile strength test: This test establishes the amount of force that would literally tear the leather apart.
• Tear strength test: Assesses the leather’s resistance to tearing.
• Flexing endurance test: The flexing endurance test is done to determine the number of flexes the leather can withstand before breaking down.
• Abrasion resistance test: The test is used to determine the resistance of leather to wear and tear

Chemical testing

Chemical testing of leather identifies the presence of harmful substances and assesses the leather’s resistance to various chemicals. Key chemical tests include:

• Chromium VI Test: Detects the presence of toxic chromium VI compounds, which can cause allergic reactions.
• pH value test: Measures acidity or alkalinity in leather, which may potentially affect durability and comfort.
• Color Fastness Test: This test determines the resistance that the leather shows towards fading when subjected to light, water and rubbing.

Biological testing

Biological testing checks the resistance of leather towards the growth of microorganisms which can lead to odor, discoloration and finally degradation of the material. This includes antimicrobial testing, which is witnessed  as one of the most frequently demanded services in leather testing.

Antimicrobial testing of leather

The need for antimicrobial testing

Leather products are often exposed to environments conducive to mold and fungal growth, in  warm and humid conditions. Microbial contamination can lead to unpleasant odors, stains and degradation of the leather, affecting its appearance and lifespan. Antimicrobial testing helps ensure that leather products remain hygienic and durable by assessing their resistance to microbial growth.

Types of antimicrobial tests

Several antimicrobial tests are used to evaluate the efficacy of leather treatments and coatings incorporated to inhibit microbial growth. These tests include:

ASTM E2149 – Standard Test Method for Determining the Antimicrobial Activity of Immobilized Antimicrobial Agents under Dynamic Contact Conditions.  This test can also be customized to check the bacterial resistance  of leather materials.

AATCC 30 – Standard protocol determines the efficacy of textile materials impregnated with fungicides.  AATCC 30 test is applicable to different types of materials including  leather, cotton, rayon, nylon, silk, wool, linen, polyester, co-acrylic, spandex, viscose, sandbags, tarpaulins, tents, etc.

Benefits of antimicrobial testing

Antimicrobial testing provides several benefits for leather manufacturers and consumers:

• Improved hygiene: Ensures that leather products are free from harmful microorganisms, making them safer for use in various applications, including healthcare and personal items.
• Enhanced durability: Prevents microbial-induced degradation, extending the lifespan of leather products.
• Market advantage: Products with proven antimicrobial properties can appeal to health-conscious consumers and differentiate themselves in the competitive market.

Other related leather tests

Fire resistance testing

Fire resistance testing evaluates the leather’s ability to withstand exposure to fire and high temperatures. This is particularly important for automotive and aviation industries, where safety standards are stringent. Tests like the vertical flammability test measure how quickly the leather ignites, burns and extinguishes.

Water resistance testing

Water resistance testing assesses the leather’s ability to repel water and resist damage from moisture exposure. This is crucial for leather products used in outdoor and marine environments. Common tests include the dynamic water absorption test and the static water penetration test.

Environmental impact testing

Environmental impact testing examines the leather’s sustainability and the ecological footprint of its production process. Tests focus on the presence of harmful chemicals, the biodegradability of the leather and impact of the tanning process on the environment.

The role of advanced technology in leather testing

Automated testing systems

Research on leather testing services has really changed by the use of automated systems and now results are highly accurate and repeatable. These systems allow for more samples, which reduces the time and cost needed in the testing.

Spectroscopic analysis

Different methods and trace elements are applied in the spectroscopic analysis for the determination of chemical composition of leather, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence. These are non-destructive, speedy and greatly accurate methods appropriate for quality control.

Microbiological analysis

Advanced microbiological analysis, based on polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing, can deliver in-depth details on a microbial community at the surface of the leather sample. Such techniques have great importance for understanding the effectiveness of an antimicrobial treatment and for the development of a better formulation.

The future of leather testing services

Sustainable leather testing

With the issue of sustainability, holding a key concern to customers, the testing services for leather are also moving towards new standards, which include being environmentally friendly. Long-term testing will likely be conducted with the materials which are biodegradable, along with the environmentally friendly tanning process and fewer chemicals.

Customization and innovation

Testing services for leather are now increasingly exploring customized testing solutions that would fit specific industry needs. Further innovation in testing methods and technologies will go a long way towards enhancing accuracy, efficiency and scope in the field of leather testing. This should support the development of new quality and sustainable leather products.

Ensure your leather products meet the highest standards of quality, safety and durability with the expert microbial testing services from Microbial Investigations Switzerland (MIS). Our state-of-the-art laboratories and experienced team offer comprehensive testing solutions, including advanced antimicrobial testing, to keep your products free from harmful microorganisms and extend their lifespan. Don’t compromise on quality—partner with MIS for reliable and precise testing that sets your leather products apart in the market.

ASTM E2149 and AATCC 30 are among the most requested and frequently performed tests for leather items at MIS.

Contact us today to learn more about our leather testing services!

FAQs

1. What is colorfastness testing for leather?

Leather colorfastness testing measures the durability of the leather against bleaching due to light, water and rubbing among other factors​.

2. How is the chemical composition of leather tested?

The chemical composition of leather can be tested through chromium VI detection, for the presence of harmful substances.

3. What is the ISO standard for leather testing?

There are several ISO standards for testing leather. ISO 2589:2016 specifies a method for determining the thickness of leather, which can be applied to all types of leather.

4. What are REACH regulations in leather testing?

REACH regulations in leather testing ensure that dangerous chemicals found within the leathers are identified and controlled and meet human and environmental health standard levels for safety.

5. What is crocking in leather testing?

Crocking in leather testing can be defined as color transfer from the leather surface to other materials when rubbed​.