New Location for SGS Quality Assurance Center
The SGS/U.S. Testing Co.—which provides quality assurance testing, assessment and technical assistance to the apparel industry—has moved into a new laboratory in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. The center was previously based in Commerce, Calif.
The new 25,000-square-foot lab is a state-of-the-art facility that offers consumer product testing, product inspection, assessment and technical assistance. It is one of four testing facilities in the country that conducts independent testing for services such as fiber content, color fastness, permeability, flammability, UV exposure, hazardous materials content and more. The center caters to the apparel industry and other consumer goods industries looking to comply with governmental regulations, address safety issues and invest in corporate responsibility.
“It’s a big concern in California,” said West Coast Director Salman Ehsan, referring to the higher level of liability and compliance issues the state is known for. But Ehsan said companies are also investing in quality assurance to build up brand strength.
Even though many companies import fabrics and sewn goods, the importer still has the responsibility to comply with laws and regulations and must mark fiber content and other disclosures, Ehsan said. “If the fiber content on a shirt varies over or under by only 3 percent, you’re in trouble,” he noted.
Manufacturers also have other needs for testing, including care labeling; ecological, performance and safety testing; and testing for water permeability on outerwear or for flammability with children’s sleepwear. Activewear makers test for perspiration and moisture-wicking abilities, and swimwear producers test for UV protection. “We can test for almost anything you can think of,” Ehsan said.
Aside from compliance concerns, more companies are seeking independent testing for accountability issues.
Care-labeling requirements are also part of the testing capabilities at SGS. Whether a garment needs dry cleaning or laundering, its stain-resistance, durability and colorfastness are all major concerns in garment production.
This all leads to brand awareness, said Ehsan.
“Lots of companies take a big stake in brand equity,” he said. “After all, they are putting their name on the label. It’s critical now because retailers and brands have so much at stake. The consumer has become more aware of product quality. They’re spending $80 for a shirt, so they’re hoping it will last awhile.”
Ehsan said that in some instances, such as with a swimwear brand that’s looking for an ultraviolet protection factor ranking, companies can use the SGS endorsement on a hangtag or label. “There are ways to get marketing mileage out of testing,” he added.
With global trade gaining momentum, Ehsan said the need for testing is growing. SGS has a presence in 120 countries and 75 cities in the United States. The 125-year-old company garners about $2 billion in global sales.
SGS is co-sponsoring an environmental conference called “What’s in Your Wardrobe?” with the American Apparel & Footwear Association on June 21–22 in New York. For more information, visit www.us.sgs.com, or call (909) 483-0250.
—Robert McAllister
