CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND RETAIL E-SSENTIALS

Technical guidance on Disperse Dyes

april 2018 - Relevant for: Hardlines, Softlines, Toys & children's products INDUSTRY

What are they?
Dyes are essential components to colour textiles. They can be classified by the solubility, chemical composition and dyeing process. Disperse dyes are sparingly soluble in water and they are dispersed into fibres rather than fully dissolved in water to proceed the dyeing process. Disperse dyes can be used to dye certain man-made fibres by applying various techniques e.g. direct application, direct disperse in water with the aid of organic carriers.

Potential hazards:
Textiles containing allergenic disperse dyes can induce contact dermatitis. These dyes are considered as allergic for example, Disperse Blue 124, Disperse Blue 106 and Disperse Yellow 3 which are most problematic ones. Some of the dyes are potentially carcinogenic e.g. Disperse Blue 1. Even though these dyestuffs are not restricted in many countries, it is an industry practice for manufacturers not to use such kind of dyes in textiles.

Commonly found in:
In order to achieve effective colouring, the affinity between the dyes and fibres are one of the critical factors. Disperse dyes are suitable to dye polyester, acetate and polyamide but it is not applicable to cotton.

Related legislation (non-exhaustive)

• Germany
  
  • Food, Commodity and Feed Code (LFGB)

• South Korea
  
  • Safety Quality Mark Act, Annex 1, Textile Products
  • Self-Regulatory Safety Confirmation Act, Annex 1, Infant textiles products

Maximum limits:

• Germany
  
  • Allergic and carcinogenic disperse dyes
    Not used
• South Korea
  
  • Safety Quality Mark Act, Annex 1
    
    • Underwear and children’s textiles product: Not used
  • Self-Regulatory Safety Confirmation Act, Annex 1
    
    • Infant textiles product: < 50 mg/kg

How can TÜV SÜD help?
TÜV SÜD has a dedicated technical solutions team to support you with root cause analysis, problem identification, suggestions for improvement and failure minimisation.

• Training and seminar on understanding the RSL (Restricted Substance List) and MRSL (Manufacturing Restricted Substance List)
• Testing services on raw materials and final products
• Being part of the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) programme, we review the entire value chain of footwear and textiles