Key takeaways
- ISO 17299-3 is a recognized test to evaluate the deodorant performance of textile products using Gas chromatography (GC) method
- The test measures how effectively a textile can reduce odor-generating chemicals
- It is applied to a wide range of textiles such as woven fabric, knit, yarns and more
- This test uses 2 methods, Method A and Method, depending on the intended application and product characteristics
- ISO 17299-3 provides quantitative results in the form of Odor Reduction Rate (ORR), allowing for a comparison of product performance and efficacy demonstration
Summary
ISO 17299-3 is an international test used to evaluate the deodorizing performance of textiles by measuring their ability to reduce specific odor-causing gases under controlled laboratory conditions. It provides quantitative results that help manufacturers validate odor-control claims, compare product performance and improve formulations.
1. What is ISO 17299-3 testing?
ISO 17299-3, established by International Organization for Standardization (ISO), is an internationally recognized test method used to assess deodorant efficacy of textiles. This test specifies a gas chromatography testing method to determine the deodorant property of textiles. The quantitative results under ISO 17299-3 are reported as Odor Reduction Rate (ORR), providing manufacturers with data on odor control performance, helping support product claims. Differentiating quality and acceptance across both European and US markets.
2. Why is ISO 17299-3 important?
Unpleasant odor is one of the most common reasons consumers reject textile products, especially outdoor clothes being more susceptible to sweat and humidity. Modern consumers expect textiles to stay fresh even after prolonged use, making odor-control performance an important product feature.
Hence, textile manufacturers developing anti odor textile technologies. However, without independent testing, deodorizing claims can be difficult to substantiate, making it harder to gain customer trust, meet buyer specifications, or differentiate products in a competitive market.
ISO 17299-3 standard provides test methods to evaluate product efficacy as per intended claims and generates data that acts as evidence for demonstrating the performance of odor-control technologies.
3. Which textile products can be tested?
The wide range of textile products that can be tested under ISO 17299-3 include:
- Woven fabric
- Knit
- Non-woven
- Yarns
- Braiding products
- Tapes
- And slings
4. How does ISO 17299-3 testing work?
- Sample preparation – Textile test samples and control samples are cut to specific dimensions as per standard guidelines
- Exposure to odor compound – The test and control samples are exposed to a defined odor-causing agent
- Contact time – The flasks are maintained under specified environmental conditions for a defined contact period, allowing the textile to interact with the odor compound.
- Gas chromatography analysis – After incubation, flasks are shaken vigorously the remaining concentration of the odor compound is measured using gas chromatography (GC).
- Results – The concentration of odor compounds in the test and control flasks is compared to calculate the Odor Reduction Rate (ORR)
For more details, watch our youtube video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ETb6ya3tNs
5. What is the difference between Method A and Method B?
| Parameter | Method A | Method B |
| Odor chemical application | Odor chemical is introduced into the test container without direct contact with the textile specimen | Odor chemical mixture is applied directly onto the textile specimen |
| Odor chemicals used | Individual odor components (example – Indole, Isovaleric acid or Nonenal) | Mixture of acetic acid and Sodium chloride (NaCl) |
| Odor compounds tested | Individual odor compounds are tested separately | A mixture of odor compounds is tested together |
6. When should manufacturers perform ISO 17299-3 testing?
Manufacturers require ISO 17299-3 testing throughout the lifecycle of the product to verify claims on deodorizing performance.
ISO 17299-3 is used:
- During product research and development
- Before launching a new odor-control textile
- When validating product performance claims
- As part of routine quality control and batch verification
7. How long does ISO 17299-3 testing take?
The turnaround time is usually 2-3 weeks, varying depending on factors such as laboratory scheduling and project requirements
Understanding Odor Reduction Rate (ORR)
The deodorant effectiveness of textiles is calculated by Odor Reduction Rate (ORR %). ORR is calculated by comparing the concentration of odor chemicals in testing gas with and without a textile specimen
The odor reduction rate (ORR) is calculated as:
A higher ORR indicates better deodorizing performance and demonstrates the textile’s ability to adsorb, neutralize, or eliminate specific odor molecules.
Common reasons products fail ISO 17299-3 textile odor testing
Textile products may fail ISO 17299-3 test due to several reasons, including:
- Poor compatibility between finish and textile -If odor-control chemistries are not bonded effectively with textile fibers, especially hydrophobic synthetic materials like polyester, can lead to reduced performance.
- Low wash durability – Some odor-control finishes lose effectiveness after repeated washing. Products intended for long-lasting odor control should be assessed for durability after multiple laundering cycles
- Insufficient active ingredient – Applying very little treatment or uneven distribution can reduce the deodorizing performance
- Inconsistent manufacturing process – Variations in treatment application, drying or other manufacturing conditions can lead to inconsistent odor-control performance.
- Testing early stage formulations: Early-stage formulations often fail because the odor-control chemistry, add-on level, or processing conditions have not yet been optimized for the intended textile application.
ISO 17299-3 vs Other textile standards
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Why choose Microbe Investigations Switzerland?
At MIS, We offer comprehensive odor testing services that support product development, quality assurance and market entry. Our microbiology team performs Odor testing in accordance with ISO 17299-3 using fully equipped Gas Chromatography setup under controlled conditions, generating reliable and reproducible results that help manufacturers claim deodorizing performance of their textile products, meet regulatory requirements to launch their product across both US and Europe markets.
To get a quote on ISO 17299-3, contact our experts now.
