Industry Tip: pH Affects the Quality of Textile Fur Accessories

With the continuous improvement of living standards and consumer spending, fur accessories are becoming increasingly common in everyday clothing. Unlike high-end fashion items that once exclusively featured fur trimmings or collars, today’s garments often incorporate these materials for aesthetic purposes. According to GB/T 18401-2003, "National Basic Safety Technical Specification for Textile Products," fur is classified as Category C textiles—those that do not come into direct contact with the skin. The acceptable pH range for Category C textiles is between 4.0 and 9.0. However, during routine testing, fur accessories often show an acidic pH, typically ranging from 2.5 to 3.5, which falls below the minimum threshold of 4.0 and results in non-compliance. During the dyeing and finishing process, various chemical treatments are applied to textiles, including fur accessories. As a result, all types of fabrics will have some level of pH, though it usually remains within a safe range. The pH level of a textile can reflect its compatibility with the human body. The normal pH of human skin lies between 5.5 and 6.5, slightly acidic, due to natural sweat and sebum production. If the pH of a textile is significantly different from this range, it may cause irritation, discomfort, or even skin conditions over time. Given the sensitivity of the skin, it's crucial that textiles used in clothing maintain a pH that aligns with the body’s natural balance. When fur accessories are too acidic, they can irritate the skin and increase the risk of bacterial infections. Given that garments featuring fur accessories tend to have higher export values compared to regular textiles, any product failing pH tests can lead to serious consequences. Reports of non-compliant products abroad may result in recalls, causing significant financial losses for exporters. Additionally, such incidents can damage the reputation of Chinese textiles in the global market. In response, inspection and quarantine authorities have urged textile manufacturers to pay closer attention to the ecological safety of fur products. They recommend increasing monitoring of pH levels and, when necessary, collaborating with inspection agencies for regular checks. This proactive approach can help prevent issues and ensure that fur accessories meet safety and quality standards before reaching consumers.