Leather Product Analysis

Leather Product Analysis: Accredited Quality Tests

Animal skins are subjected to certain processes and used for many purposes, especially shoe making. Leather making is the processing of raw leather into usable finished leather by processing according to the need. In our country, mostly bovine and ovine animals are used in leather production.

Nowadays, artificial leather has started to take the place of real leather. Artificial leather is water-resistant products that resemble natural leather in appearance. It is made by using vegetable fibers, cotton weavings, shavings of waste leather as raw materials.

Specific quality tests are applied to leather products that are widely used in the shoe and textile sector. Especially in the processes applied, the presence of chemicals that threaten human health such as chromium VI, azo dyes and whether they are below the limits should be checked.

Leather analyses are carried out in our laboratories serving in many parts of Turkey with TÜRKAK accreditation based on domestic and foreign standards, test methods and relevant laws.

Chemical tests for the determination of certain azo colorants in dyed leather - Part 1: Determination of certain aromatic amines derived from azo colorants	Azo dyes are widely used in leather products. But when some of them decompose, they can release primary aromatic amines that can cause cancer. This test is performed according to the EN ISO 17234-1 standard and includes limits for 22 amines under the European Union REACH regulation.	ISO 17234-1 TS EN ISO 17234-1 BS EN ISO 17234-1 DIN EN ISO 17234-1 BVL B 82.02.3
Chemical tests for the determination of certain azo colorants in dyed leather - Part 2: Determination of 4 aminoazobenzene	4-aminoazobenzene is a special aromatic amine that can be formed from the decomposition of azo dyes. It is analyzed according to EN ISO 17234-2 and is banned in leather products due to its toxic effects.	ISO 17234-2 TS EN ISO 17234-2 BS EN ISO 17234-2 DIN EN ISO 17234-2 BVL B 82.02.9
Chemical determination of formaldehyde content - Method using colorimetric analysis	Formaldehyde can cause allergic reactions when used in skin treatments. This analysis according to EN ISO 17226 is intended to determine the possible release of formaldehyde after skin contact with leather products.	BS EN ISO 17226-2 TS EN ISO 17226-2 EN ISO 17226-2 ISO 17226-2
Determination of extractable perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in coated and impregnated solids, liquids and firefighting foams - Sampling, extraction and analysis by LC-qMS or LC-tandem/MS	PFOS in coated and impregnated leather materials are persistent organic pollutants. Analysis by LC-MS/MS checks compliance with relevant regulations. This test is also applied to fire foam and liquid products.	CEN TS 15968
Chemical determination of chromium (VI) content in leather Colorimetric method	Chromium VI is restricted in leather products due to its allergic and toxic effects. This test, performed according to EN ISO 17075-1 and 17075-2 standards, aims to determine chromium VI, which may be formed as a result of oxidation of chromium III used in the tanning process.	ISO 17075-1 BS EN ISO 17075-1 TS EN ISO 17075-1 EN ISO 17075-1 DIN EN ISO 17075-1
Determination of Dimethyl Fumarate (DMFu)	DMFu is a substance used as a moisture and mold inhibitor but can cause severe allergies on the skin. It is analyzed by LC-MS method in leather seats, shoes and bags. It is prohibited above the limit value according to EU directives.	ISO TS 16186
Determination of ethoxylated alkylphenols	Ethoxylated alkylphenols (NPE, OPE) are harmful substances for the environment and the hormonal system. They are analyzed by LC-MS/MS in leather products. These substances are on the banned list under REACH.	TS EN ISO 18218-1 BS EN ISO 18218-1 DIN EN ISO 18218-1 ISO 18218-1
pH determination	The pH level of leather products is important for skin compatibility. The pH determination according to EN ISO 4045 standard measures the acidity-basicity level of the material. An inappropriate pH value can cause skin irritation.	BS EN ISO 4045 TS EN ISO 4045 DIN EN ISO 4045 ISO 4045
Chemical tests - Determination of Pentachlorophenol (PCP) Tetrachloro Phenol (TeCP), o-Phenyl Phenol (OPP), Trichlorophenol (TriCP)	These substances are used as skin protectants but are banned due to their toxic and environmental impact. The analysis by GC-MS is performed according to the EN ISO 17070 standard. The use of PCP has long been banned in Europe.	TS EN ISO 17070 DIN EN ISO 17070 BS EN ISO 17070 ISO 17070 BVL B 82.02.8
Determination of polychlorophenol content -KOH Method	This method with KOH solution determines the total amount of polychlorinated phenols. Used for the determination of chemical residues in leather and textiles. Verification can be done by GC-MS after analysis.	-
Organic Chemical Compounds - Primary Aromatic Amines	PPAAs, which can be formed by the degradation of azo dyes in leather products, are compounds that can cause cancer. Analyzed by LC-MS/MS method. Evaluated in accordance with EN 14362 and EN ISO 17234 standards.	EN 71-9 +A1 Table 2C EN 71-10 Part 8.1.4 EN 71-10 Part 8.2.2 EN 71-10 Part 8.3.2 EN 71-10 Part 8.4.2 EN 71-10 Part 8.5.2 EN 71-10 Part 8.6.2 EN 71-10 Part 8.7.2 EN 71-10 Part 8.8.2 EN 71-10 Part 8.9.2 EN 71-11 Part 5.4
Chemical determination of chromium (VI) content - Part 2: Chromatographic method	Chromium (VI) is a heavy metal with allergic and toxic effects that can be formed by the oxidation of chromium (III) salts commonly used in leather production. Under the European Union's REACH regulation, products in direct contact with skin are prohibited from containing more than 3 mg/kg of chromium VI.	ISO 17075-2 BS EN ISO 17075-2 TS EN ISO 17075-2 EN ISO 17075-2 DIN EN ISO 17075-2
Determination of chlorinated hydrocarbons in leather - Chromatographic method for short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCP)	Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCP) are chlorinated organic compounds that can be used as softeners and flame retardants in leather production and are harmful to the environment and human health. These substances are banned under the European Union POP (Persistent Organic Pollutants) Regulation due to their persistent and bioaccumulative properties.	TS EN ISO 18219 BS EN ISO 18219 DIN EN ISO 18219 ISO/FDIS 18219
Chemical determination of metal content - Part 2: Total metal content	The total metal content (chromium, lead, arsenic, cadmium, etc.) in leather products is determined by ICP-OES or AAS methods. These analyzes are performed in compliance with regulations such as REACH and EN 71-3.	TS EN ISO 17072-2 BS EN ISO 17072-2 DIN EN ISO 17072-2 ISO 17072-2
Determination of Naphthalene</td	Naphthalene is a volatile compound used in some paint and preservative processes. It can evaporate from skin products and pass into respirable form. It is analyzed by GC-MS to assess inhalation exposure.	-
Determination of Boric Acid	Boron compounds (borax, boric acid), although used for their antiseptic properties, are restricted by EU regulations. In leather products, these substances are analyzed by IC or ICP-MS and reported according to the limit values.	-
Determination of Disodium Tetraborate	Disodium tetraborate (commonly known as borax) can sometimes be used as a buffering agent, emollient, or antifungal agent in leather processing. However, it is classified as a "substance of high concern (SVHC)" under the REACH regulation in the European Union because of its toxic effects on the reproductive system.	-
NPE - Determination of Nonylphenols	NPEs are used as surfactants in leather production. However, they are banned under REACH due to their environmental and endocrine damage. It is analyzed by LC-MS/MS.	-