Introduction
During the past two decades, there have been major developments and fast changes in the IT sector. Alongside, the International Textile Industry has had to adopt new sustainable approaches in order to keep pace with these changes. Taking into consideration the environmental, economic and energy sustainability of the Textile Industry, the local stakeholders have put in much effort for the survival of that industry. Despite increasing material costs, shortage of labour and an unfavourable geographical location, the Mauritian Textile Industry has managed to survive by constantly reviewing its strategies and reengineering its manufacturing processes. However, this has revolved mostly around the traditional yarn, fabric and garment making.
Not much attention has been focused on the technicalities of the textile material itself. Nowadays, textile products are being used in the civil engineering industry, automobile industry, medical sector, mechanical engineering, etc. just to mention a few. While some years back, we were talking about electronic textiles using incorporated batteries in the textile product, today the process has shifted to self-charging power textiles which implies that no more batteries are being used.
The Mauritian Textile Industry is presently at a cross road. While additional opportunities are being offered to the Industry for a revival, there is a decreasing interest for investment in this industry. Unless there is a major shift from traditional to new areas of products, testing for these types of products will not be required.
Until major changes occur in the Textile Industry, the Fibre Technology Laboratory of the Mauritius Standards Bureau will continue to offer testing services in the following areas.
1. Fibre, Yarn & Fabric
2. Garments
3. Leather, footwear & Protective equipment
4. Paper & paper products
5. Asbestos
6. Toys Testing & Verification of Test Reports
as per: EN 71 Part 1: Mechanical and Physical Properties
EN 71 Part 2: Flammability
EN 71 Part 3 – Migration of certain elements
EN 62115 – Safety of electric toys
7. Verification of PPE Test Reports
Assessment of test reports & issuance of certificate of compliance.
8. List of services
ACCREDITATION
The laboratory is accredited with
MAURITAS to ISO/IEC 17025 for the following test methods:
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Colour fastness to water
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Colour fastness to perspiration
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Colour fastness to dry/wet rubbing
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Determination of yarn twist
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Determination of fabric propensity to surface fuzzing and pilling
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Flammability
The laboratory has also applied to MAURITAS to have the following included in the scope of accreditation
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Determination of fabric weight,
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Fibre composition
MEMBERSHIP
The laboratory is a member of the following international organisation
TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON TEXTILES & FOOTWEAR
Specialized technical information relevant to the changes and development in the textile and footwear sector are available through the AATCC, Textile Month and Footwear magazines that are issued by international organizations. The documents may be consulted free of charge in the Standards and Information Centre of the Bureau.
PROFICIENCY TESTING
To continually improve the reliability of its test results, the Fibre Technology Laboratory is currently registered with Testex and LGA (France) to carry out proficiency testing. This activity is scheduled on an annual basis whereby several participants carry out testing on samples provided by the PT provider. Parallel to this activity, an interlaboratory exercise is also carried out among local testing bodies to further ensure the reliability and correctness of our test results. Up to now, the Fibre Technology Laboratory has been performing within the control limits set internationally.
For any queries, contact the laboratory
Tel: 433 3648
Fax: 433 5051
E-Mail: msb@intnet.mu
Contact the laboratory: Mr R Gunnoo:rrgunnoo@msb.intnet.mu
C. Jeebun (Mrs): cjeebun@msb.intnet.mu
: pkisto@msb.intnet.mu
