This Australian/New Zealand Standard, AS/NZS 2622:1996 "Textile products Fibre content labelling", was developed by the Joint Technical Committee CS/4. It provides regulations for fibre content labelling of textile products.

1. Scope and Application:

  The standard is applicable to all textile products and is used in conjunction with relevant legislation. It sets out two methods for designating fibre content and determining the fibre content of products, including recycled fibre products.

2. Fibre Designation and Labelling:

  For recycled fibre products, if the fibre has been previously spun into yarn or incorporated into a textile product, it should be labelled as "Made from reclaimed fibre" and the fibre content if known.

  When using Method A for multi-fibre products (including those with recycled fibres), fibres are listed in descending order of mass percentage. For example, a product might be labelled as "35% Polyester 10% Viscose (made from reclaimed fibre) 15% Viscose 55% Wool". If a fibre is present in an amount less than 5%, it can be designated by the generic name, as "other fibres", or not mentioned if the total mass of such fibres is within the tolerance limit.

  Method B also allows for the listing of fibre types in descending order of mass dominance. For recycled fibres, the appropriate generic name should be used as per AS/NZS 2450, and if applicable, terms like "rayon" can be added for certain regenerated cellulose fibres.

3. Fibre Content Determination:

  The fibre content of products (including those with recycled fibres) is determined according to AS 2001.7, with results based on clean, dry mass and allowances for moisture and other matter. Components like textile fibre fillings and linings in products with recycled fibres are determined separately for labelling.

  There are allowable tolerances for fibre content. For products made from more than one type of fibre (including recycled fibres), the difference between the labelled and measured percentages should not be greater than 5% of the total fibre mass. Additionally, up to 5% by weight of fibres other than those stated on the label can be present for technical or decorative reasons.

4. Labelling Requirements:

  For recycled fibre products, the labelling requirements are similar to other textile products but with specific indications for recycled fibre content. The information on the label should be in English with clear legible lettering.

  For made-up products with recycled fibres, the fibre content should be on a permanent label. If not possible, alternative methods like a removable ticket, pamphlet, or on the wrapper/package can be used.

  Piece goods and other non-made-up textiles with recycled fibres should have the fibre content clearly stated on a label attached to the roll, printed/ woven in the selvedge, or on the label of sample books/swatches.

  Yarns with recycled fibres for end consumers or commercial use should have the fibre content clearly labelled on an adhesive label or swing ticket/wrapper/band attached to the cone/spool/reel/ball/skein. In some cases, commercial documents can replace or supplement labels for products with recycled fibres during processing.