ISO Publishes New Test Method to Quantify PAHs in Footwear Materials

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is reminding footwear and footwear component manufacturers that ISO has updated its test method for determining polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in footwear materials.

 

ISO 16190 defines a test method that requires a sample to be extracted using toluene in an ultrasonic bath. An aliquot is then analysed using a gas chromatograph with mass selective detector (GC-MS).

 

There are several updates in the new version of the standard, including technical and/or editorial changes to:

  • Terms and definitions
  • Reagents
  • Apparatus
  • Sample preparation
  • Procedure
  • Expression of results

 

PAHs are a group of structurally related hydrocarbons that have the characteristics of persisting in the environment and accumulating in food chains. They are known to be mutagenic, toxic, and/or carcinogenic to aquatic life and humans and, because of this, many major markets enforce restrictions on their presence in finished products.

 

In clothing and footwear products, PAHs are usually only present as impurities from low-grade raw materials. They are not intentionally added. Raw materials that may contain PAHs include extender oils (for softening) and carbon black (reinforcing agent). In footwear, this meaning PAHs can often be found as impurities in outsoles and printing pastes for screen prints.

 

Published in November 2021, ISO 16190:2021, “Footwear – Critical substances potentially present in footwear and footwear components – Test method to quantitatively determine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in footwear materials” replaces the previous iteration of the standard from 2013.

 

SGS Softlines Services

SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories, including 10 in China, specializing in testing of apparel, footwear, and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to conduct a comprehensive range of physical, chemical, and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance, and compliance with international, industrial, and regulatory standards worldwide. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Softlines Services.

 

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full New ISO Test Method Published for the Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Footwear Materials SafeGuardS.

 

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For further information contact:

 

Louann Spirito

Consumer and Retail — Softlines

US & Canada Softlines Business Head

Tel: +1 973 461 7919

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.sgs.com/softlines

LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

 

About SGS

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 89,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

Potential Opportunity Worth XX Bn is opening up in Genomics

As Genome Sequencing heads to $100 Direct-to-Consumer, a potential opportunity worth $50 Bn is expected to open up, leading to a million terabytes of genome data by 2025.

The genome sequencing market will reach $25 Bn by 2026, further intensified by COVID-19, and oncology and rare disease diagnostics coupled with pan-genome studies. Adjacent markets of data storage, high-performance computing (HPC), lab automation, and AI are anticipated to see unlocking of a further $20 Bn.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/practices/pdfdownload.asp

According to MarketsandMarkets analysis,

$50 Bn of potential opportunity is opening up as genome sequencing heads to $100 direct-to-consumer, which was one of the most talked-about trends in 2021.
The global genomic studies and projects comprising advanced genetic sequencing are expected to drive better clinical decision-making in the coming years, presenting lucrative growth opportunities to NGS companies.
Additionally, the life sciences market is witnessing an increased adoption of AI, personalized healthcare, gene editing, etc., which is likely to disrupt the demand for genomics, in turn impacting the growth of the market.
The increasing demand for sequencing and bioinformatics in diagnostics is predicted to disrupt the demand for IVD over the next few years.

MarketsandMarkets is focused on high-growth, niche markets, such as AI in genomics, spatial genomics & transcriptomics, liquid biopsy, single-cell analysis, and related markets, providing a comprehensive understanding of the entire genomics ecosystem through the World’s First Market Intelligence Cloud, ‘KnowledgeStore’. It helps find blind spots in clients’ revenue decisions because of interconnections and unknowns that impact clients and their client’s clients.

 

New York is First State to Restrict Organohalogen Flame Retardants in Electronic Displays

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, reminds businesses operating in New York State that the governor, Kathy Hochul, has recently signed into law new requirement on the use of flame retardants in furniture, mattresses and electronic enclosures with displays.

This ground-breaking bipartisan Bill (A5418B and companion bill S4630), is the first in the US to prohibit the entire group of organohalogen flame retardants in electronic enclosures, such as televisions. It amends Article 37 in the state’s Environmental Conservation Law and inserts Title X (10), to be called the ‘Family and Fire Fighter Protection Act’.

Title X reads:

TITLE X

REGULATION OF CHEMICALS IN UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE, MATTRESSES AND ELECTRONIC ENCLOSURES

The Act has several definitions of which stakeholders should be aware:

  • “Covered flame-retardant chemical” – any chemical that meets both of the following criteria:
    1. Functional use to resist or inhibit the spread of fire or as a synergist to chemicals that resist or inhibit the spread of fire
    2. One of the following: a halogenated, organophosphorus, organonitrogen, or nanoscale chemical
  • “Electronic enclosures with displays” – consumer product with a display screen and associated that, as its primary function, displays visual information from wired or wireless sources and is available for purchase by individuals or households for personal use in a residential space

Exemptions to the provisions in the Act relating to electronic displays include:  

  • Screen areas of no more than 100 cm2
  • Projectors
  • Virtual reality headsets
  • All-in-one video conference systems
  • Displays that are integrated with appliances and are not available for purchase as separate products by end-users

Stakeholders should be aware of the following dates:

  • December 31, 2022 – manufacturers of electronic displays sold in New York State must also submit an annual report identifying all flame retardants used in enclosures and their stands
  • January 1, 2024 (per section 37-1003) – “no person shall sell or offer for sale in the state of New York any new, not previously owned, upholstered furniture or mattress, that contains, or a constituent component of which contains, any intentionally added covered flame retardant chemical, individually or in combination.”
  • January 1, 2024 (per section 37-1007) – “no person shall sell or offer for sale in the state of New York any electronic display that contains an intentionally added organohalogen flame retardant chemical in the enclosure or stand of such electronic display.”

Failure to conform to the provisions in sections 37-1003 and 37-1007 can result in a civil penalty not exceeding USD 1,000 for each day during which violation continues. The penalty will increase to USD 2,500 for each day because of a second violation.  

Stakeholders are advised now check their products conform to the latest flame retardant restrictions in New York State.

 

SGS Chemical Testing

SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.

Learn more about SGS Chemical Testing Services.

For further information contact:

Sanjeev Gandhi

Deputy Vice President

Connectivity & Products

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.sgs.com/cgnr 

LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

About SGS

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 93,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

NoviSign Digital Signage Plants over 800 trees in Support of the National Forest Foundation

Leading digital signage solutions provider NoviSign Digital Signage intensifies its commitment to curb the carbon emission levels in the US.

In partnership with the National Forest Foundation, the company has planted over 800 trees in national forests identified by the said organization.

Chad Bogan, NoviSign’s Director of Sales and Marketing, stated that "as our planet grows and carbon emissions increase, our responsibility to help offset the carbon footprint."

Under the company’s Plant a Tree campaign, which was first launched in November 2021, it vowed to plant one tree for every new software license that it sells.

"By planting trees for each NoviSign software license sold, we are making the planet a healthier place for our kids and future generations," added Bogan

US’ Greenhouse Gas Emission Increases

In 2021, the country reported a 6.2% increase in greenhouse gas emissions as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a report by the Rhodium Group in early January, this uptick was mainly driven by increased truck traffic and coal power usage as pandemic-prompted lockdowns were lifted and restrictions were eased.

Since the American Industrial Revolution (1820 to 1870) began, the country has gradually become one of the biggest greenhouse gas emitters on the planet. In 2017 alone, about 6.5 billion tons of greenhouse gas (4.8 billion of which is carbon dioxide).

Fighting Harmful Emissions The Natural Way

Emitting greenhouse gas at significant levels is a consequence of performing many activities more conveniently and efficiently with the aid of oil, coal, and gas. These substances’ by-products cause air pollution and smog — and trap heat in the atmosphere, causing the decades-old climate change problem.

Experts consider reforestation as a natural antidote to this issue. Whether through tree planting or natural regeneration planning, having more trees in national forests can boost an area’s climate cooling power.

While there are other solutions available, including the shift to the use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, to plant a tree is something that’s more economical, doable, and scalable for many — individuals and entities alike.

In support of the National Forest Foundation’s tree-planting efforts, NoviSign commits to planting more and more trees not only to help fight global warming but also to provide a safe and natural habitat to wildlife.

About NoviSign

Since 2011, NoviSign has already helped over 20,000 businesses across five continents put up dynamic paperless signages to cost-effectively boost brand awareness while keeping forests protected and greenhouse gas emissions minimized. Some of its prominent clients include Disney, Ikea, Nokia, NASA, and Ferrari among others.

Its software is sold as Software as a Service (SaaS), making it easier for businesses — no matter which industry they’re in or how big or small their organization is — to create digital signage outputs that can get their business or campaigns noticed.

Reach out to the premier digital signage solutions provider at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call them at (646) 893-770 or +972 (9) 794-7643. The company is based outside of Tel-Aviv Israel, with a presence in the US, Portugal, and Japan.

MACS Ltd Offers Commercial Diving Services To Ensure Efficient And Safe Completion of Underwater Engineering Projects

Completing underwater engineering projects requires the help of diving contractors. A leading name in the field of commercial diving London, Marine and Civil Services (MACS) Ltd will help you ensure efficiency and safety with their vast range of diving services.

Wide Range of Commercial Diving Services

Undertaking engineering projects underwater poses various challenges. Without the help of professional commercial divers, it will be unsafe to inspect, survey, and carry out work in a marine environment.

Home to a team of professionals with expertise in both diving and engineering, MACS Ltd can cater to various commercial diving Kent needs. These include inspection and maintenance, surveying, and cleaning and repairs. Trained and licensed, they can also perform submerged construction, dredging, and demolition among others.

While assuring top-quality services, they remain committed to protecting the environment. In every project they complete, they make sure to adhere to industry health and safety standards.

Making their services available throughout the UK, they accommodate clients from a wide spectrum of sectors.

Extensive Experience

MACS Ltd is one of the most established names in commercial diving Kent. They boast more than 40 years of experience expertly handling various marine operations — whatever the weather they may be.

MACS’ engineering and diving operations are helmed by industry veterans. Paul Day, their Engineering Operations Director, has spent the past 12 years offering marine and civil engineering services in the UK and abroad. Today, he provides his expertise for his project management and consultant roles.

On the other hand, Sam Preston of the company’s Diving Operations has been in the industry for over 28 years now. Honed by his various experiences with top players in the field, he’s capable of delivering diving, offshore & inshore, salvage, and harbour service.

As their well-trained divers are also equipped with the right tools, you can guarantee that every underwater engineering project they take on is completed properly and cost-effectively.

Efficient internal management, top-quality diving and engineering expertise, and reliable customer services set MACS Ltd apart from their competitors.

Deep Knowledge Of Local Marine Environment

Throughout the years, MACS Ltd has familiarised themselves with London’s marine environment. Even in low-visibility conditions, they can navigate through the city’s bodies of water to help you complete their projects on time.

They also have a deep understanding of the technical requirements that underwater engineering demands. This will further assure you that your endeavour is completed while being fully compliant with industry regulations and codes. This makes your whole undertaking safer and more efficient — both in the short and long run.

To give your an additional guarantee, it’s great to know that the company is also a proud member of various industry organisations, including the Association of Diving Contractors and the International Jack-up Barge Operators Association.

Complete Your Underwater Engineering With MACS’ Diving Services

Whether you’re embarking on an inshore and offshore underwater engineering project, the commercial diving London experts of Marine and Civil Services (MACS) Ltd are ready to help you out. While remaining environmentally responsible, they deliver the highest quality of diving services. Their range of services — which cover surveying, submerged construction, cleaning, and repair — has already benefitted scores of clients across the UK.

To learn more about them, visit https://marineandcivilservices.co.uk. You may also enquire via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..