Quantitative chemical dosage on textiles

Quantitative chemical analysis of textiles allows for the precise determination of the concentration of substances present in a textile material. This analysis is essential to guarantee regulatory compliance of products, particularly with regard to European requirements (REACH), international quality standards (OEKO-TEX®), and specific requirements related to technical textiles, packaging, cosmetic textiles, or food textiles. It enables the identification, quantification, and control of a wide variety of compounds: dyes, heavy metals, residual solvents, biocides, finishing agents, functional additives, undesirable substances, and residues from manufacturing processes. Chemical analysis is therefore an essential tool for manufacturers, processors, distributors, clients, and design offices seeking to ensure the quality, safety, and traceability of their textiles.

Importance of dosage

The chemical composition of a textile directly influences its properties, performance in use, safety, and compliance. Textiles can contain synthetic dyes, resins, flame retardants, antimicrobial agents, or active substances. Other, undesirable compounds can result from the production chain: heavy metals, solvents, tannery residues, potential endocrine disruptors, or traces of impurities. Quantitative analysis is therefore essential to: verify regulatory thresholds imposed by REACH or OEKO-TEX®, ensure the safety of textiles in prolonged skin contact, control the potential migration of substances, guarantee the compliance of textiles intended for food or cosmetic use, and document the quality of the raw materials used in manufacturing.

Analytical methods

The choice of method depends on the chemical targets being sought, the textile matrix, and the required level of sensitivity.
ICP-MS and ICP-OES spectroscopy allow for the quantification of metallic elements, particularly heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, chromium), which are closely monitored in the textile industry.
Spectrophotometry is used to assess the concentration of certain dyes, additives, or finishing agents.
FTIR spectroscopy makes it possible to identify the chemical families present in a textile (polymers, resins, bonding agents, surface treatments) and to characterize the structural modifications resulting from finishing processes.
When the target is organic (synthetic dyes, solvents, pesticides, antimicrobials, biocides), chromatographic techniques such as GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, or HPLC are used for highly precise identification and quantification.
Complementary approaches such as titration or gravimetry are used to assess the content of finishing agents, resins, flame retardants, or waterproofing agents. These analyses provide a complete picture of the chemical profile of the textile, whether raw, semi-finished, or ready-to-use.

Analyzed matrices

Quantitative chemical analysis applies to all categories of industrial textiles, whether natural (cotton, wool, silk) or synthetic (polyester, polyamide, acrylic). It also covers non-woven textiles, textile packaging, technical textiles for personal protective equipment, workwear, medical textiles, cosmetic textiles (patches, masks, wipes), and food-grade textiles such as filters, fabrics, and bags intended for food contact. This versatility allows manufacturers to control every stage, from raw materials to finished products.

Interest for professionals

For manufacturers, processors, and clients, this analysis is a strategic tool for identifying the presence of prohibited or restricted substances, validating material treatments, controlling batch quality, and ensuring safe market access. Design offices and R&D laboratories rely on these analyses to develop new high-performance textiles, incorporate innovative active agents, or optimize finishing formulations. Brands and distributors thus guarantee the transparency of their supply chain and the compliance of their products with international standards, strengthening consumer confidence.

YesWeLab Expertise

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of laboratories specializing in textile analysis, recognized for their expertise in physicochemical analysis, spectroscopy, and chromatography. The majority of our partners are certified or accredited according to ISO 17025 or COFRAC standards, guaranteeing the reliability and quality of the results. Depending on your needs, we identify the most suitable method for your matrix, the required detection level, and your regulatory constraints. Through our digital platform, you benefit from comprehensive support, simplified monitoring, and personalized scientific advice. Since 2020, companies in the packaging, materials, technical fashion, cosmetics, and textile industries have entrusted us with their analyses to secure their production and accelerate their development.

Other relevant analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue

• Heavy metal detection
• Volatile organic compound profile
• FTIR analysis of textile materials