When it comes to fabrics for clothing, quality is not a detail but the very essence of the product
A quality fabric is a fabric that lasts, that withstands washing, wear, tear and all types of finishing, that absorbs colour and dye in the best possible way, and that lends itself to the creation of unique garments.
What does quality control in textiles mean?
Textiles is a very complex sector involving different stages in the production process, from the selection of raw materials to the processing of fabrics and the packaging of finished garments. Quality control is used to check that the fabric meets pre-established standards before being transformed into garment.
The objective is twofold:
- detect and prevent defects (e.g. weft or colour irregularities);
- ensure the performance of the fabric (resistance, colour fastness to washing and light, dimensional stability).
The key stages of quality control
The verification process focuses on these aspects:
- raw material: checking the quality, thickness and uniformity of the fibres. In the case of sustainable raw material, compliance with traceability criteria and compliance with important certifications such as the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), the most important standard for sustainable textile production;
- weaving: the ‘raw’ fabric is inspected for structural defects;
- ennobling (dyeing and finishing): this is the most delicate phase, tests are carried out to measure the colour fastness to washing and light, the uniformity of the dyeing is checked and special treatments (such as finishing or resin-coating) are correctly applied;
- final inspection: before sending the fabric to the customer, it is meticulously checked by machine or by hand for final measurement and identification of any remaining defects.
Health and the environment: preventing risks
Quality control in the textile industry is also very important for the protection of health and environment.
First of all, it checks for harmful chemicals in raw materials and finished products, such as heavy metals, banned azo dyes, pesticides and other hazardous substances.
In addition, quality control procedures aim to ensure a healthy and safe working environment for employees. This includes the prevention of risks related to the inhalation of dust, fumes or vapours when handling dyes and other chemical preparations.
The textile industry is a major source of water pollution, mainly due to the high quantities of discharged water containing dyes and finishing agents.
Effective control requires the company to purify waste water before it is released into the environment.
In conclusion, timely and rigorous quality control identifies defects early in production, reducing wastage of materials and resources, minimising rework and optimising the process.
In addition, some certifications require the demonstration of a commitment to responsible waste management and the adoption of sustainable production practices, such as the efficient use of water and energy.
Quality control Made in Pontex
All Pontex garment fabrics are created in the Style Department and undergo rigorous quality control tests. This ensures that the fabric is defect-free and durable as well as aesthetically pleasant.
Quality control is carried out on the entire production chain, from the selection of the raw material to the finishing of the fabric, to guarantee an impeccable product of the highest quality and durability.
For the 100% Made in Italy fabrics, total traceability of the raw material is guaranteed, which is produced and processed exclusively at spinning and weaving mills in Italy.
At Pontex, quality control is one of the strong points, translating the company’s mission of sustainability and innovation into truly unique and valuable fabrics. In short, it represents a total guarantee of reliability and the reason why all fabrics always maintain their high aesthetic and functional value, season after season.
Discover the Pontex Collections and the certified quality that has made the difference since 1972