Labotex is an ISO accredited independent laboratory in Belgium which serves innovators in the soft furnishing decorative fabric industry. This means that most of the tests performed in the Labotex laboratory is fully compliant and accredited under the ISO 17025. The quality management system is certified against ISO 9001.

Labotex believes that it is only through an in-depth scientific understanding of the performance and behaviour of fabrics that a consistently high quality can be achieved. Whether your market is local, national or international, Labotex will test your fabrics for you, helping you ensure that your fabrics are always at their best.

Labotex performs a wide range of mechanical tests (including the Martindale and Wyzenbeek tests) adhering to international standards like ISO ensures that customers consistently receive high-quality products and services. The ISO standards include:

• ISO 12947-2 - Martindale abrasion resistance testing
• ASTM D4157 - Wyzenbeek abrasion testing
• ISO 3759 - Dimensional stability
• ISO 12945-2 - Pilling testing
• ISO 13936-2 - Seam slippage
• ISO 13934-1 - Tensile strength and elongation
• ISO 13937-3 - Tearing strength wing shaped
• ISO 105-X12 - Colour fastness to rubbing
• ISO 105-B02 - Colour fastness to light (CFL)
• ISO 105-E01 - Colour fastness to water
• ISO 105-C06 - Colour fastness to washing
• ISO 6330 - Domestic washing and drying procedures for textile testing
• ISO 6330 and ISO 3759 - Washing, Dry Cleaning, Ironing measurements

Both the Martindale (International) and Wyzenbeek (American) tests assess a fabric's resistance to abrasion (scuffing, scratching, wearing down, and rubbing away). These two methods are commonly used to predict durability. Actual performance is determined by many factors, including:

• Fibre content
• Weaves
• Finishes
• Maintenance
• Cleaning
• Usage

Durability of an upholstery fabric is a complex combination of a number of performance tests that, in addition to abrasion, includes seam slippage, piling, tensile strength, and usage.

However, you cannot assume that if a fabric scores 30,000 Wyzenbeek, it will definitely score 40,000 Martindale. That would simply be wrong. The Martindale could be higher or lower: you have to test it to know for certain. For example, with Heavy Duty usage, you might specify 30,000 double rubs Wyzenbeek OR 40,000 cycles Martindale method.

Learn more about Textile Tests >

Fire Retardant (or FR) properties ensure that the fabric that does not propagate the spread of flames and assists in containing or slowing the spread of fire should one start. Each FR standard around the world has a different and specific test method creating complexity within the furnishing fabrics industry.

The Labotex team is expert in world testing standards associated with furnishing fabrics including:

• EN 13773 (European FR Standard)
• NF P92-503, 504, 505 & 507 (French FR Standard)
• BS 5867-2 Meth. B & C (British FR Standard)
• IMO 2010 FTP Code 10 Part 7 (International Maritime Organization FR Standard)
• NFPA701 (USA FR contract drapery Standard)

Learn more about FR Standards >