Create impressive visuals with our 5-meter textile range!
Moordrecht, 20 March 2025 –
As a leading expert in printable textiles and transfer print media, Texo Trade
Services (TTS) sets high standards for the quality of its products. These also
extend to fire safety and health safety during processing and final use. TTS
pays special attention to products that release fumes during the sublimation
process, such as coated fabrics. TTS products comply with the European REACH
regulation and also pass the emissions test for harmful substances, which is
periodically conducted by an independent testing institute. Products that meet
this standard and pass the test are a better and safer choice for the health of
their users.
Fire Safety
All fabrics
sold by TTS in the SIGN market are treated with a flame-retardant finish. This
means that the fabric has flame-retardant properties according to the European
Euroclass standards and country-specific standards such as B1 and M1. All
fabrics in TTS’ SIGN market range are flame-retardant, indicated by the code
FR. An independent testing institute has verified these properties. Because it
is a finish, this standard applies to the original fabric before any
processing. If the fabric is printed on or washed, this may affect its
flame-retardant properties, depending on the printing technique, ink, or
washing method. As a general rule, it is advisable to have the
printed/processed product tested as well. This applies to all fabrics used in
the SIGN market.
REACH and OEKO-TEX® Standards
To better
protect human health and the environment from the dangers of chemical
substances, two standards are widely used in our industry. The first is the
European Union’s REACH regulation, which can impose bans or restrictions on the
production, use, or import of certain hazardous substances. None of TTS’
products are affected by these restrictions. All fabrics in TTS’ range comply
with the REACH regulation and have been tested and certified accordingly. The
second standard is OEKO-TEX®, a textile certification. If a product is
OEKO-TEX® certified, it is free from substances that may be harmful to health.
The OEKO-TEX® label has four product classes, ranging from very strict (e.g.,
baby clothing) to less stringent. Product class IV, 'Decoration Material,' is
the category used for interior and sign textiles. All TTS fabrics for this
application carry the OEKO-TEX® label. The OEKO-TEX® and REACH certifications
provide peace of mind for TTS fabric users: they are fire-safe and safe for
health and skin.
Emissions Test: No Harmful Emissions
During the
calendaring of all coated fabrics, such as blackback, smoke is released,
regardless of the factory or country of production. Therefore, proper
ventilation is essential. Most calenders are equipped with exhaust systems that
immediately remove the fumes. Aside from ventilation, TTS wants to ensure that
the released gases are not harmful. That is why TTS periodically conducts an
emissions analysis through Centexbel, the European monitor of industrial
ecosystems, specializing in textile testing and analysis. The emissions test
provides TTS with full insight into the substances released during heating. The
conclusion of the research report is that the emissions are not harmful to
humans, neither in the fabric itself nor when released during heat treatment.
This conclusion applies to all TTS materials, not just blackback fabrics. While
the report confirms that the emitted gases are not harmful, TTS still
recommends equipping calenders with proper ventilation.
