Bright prospects for safety.
Without the sun there is no life. However, it also has its downsides, with ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage the skin. Sun cream and sun blocker do provide some protection against UV rays, but they do not replace other precautions like clothing or sunshades. With the right materials and designs, these safeguards provide much more effective UV protection than the strongest sun creams.
Hohenstein is a founding member of the International Test Association for Applied Protection against UV Radiation.
Hohenstein is a founding member of the International Test Association for Applied Protection against UV Radiation. It was involved in the launch of the UV STANDARD 801, a certification and product label that offers reliable UV protection through textiles thanks to its use-based concept. One crucial benefit to consumers is that, unlike other international standards, the standard also covers aspects such as how the textile stretches when worn, the dampness of the material (for example, caused by swimming or sweating) and the unavoidable aging of textile products due to wear, weather and cleaning.
What makes UV STANDARD 801 different?
To determine a reliable Ultra Violet Protection Factor (UPF) for the consumer, every factor that plays a role in the use of sunshade textiles must be taken into account. Measurements of UV protection that assess the tested goods only in their as-new condition are therefore less meaningful. The measurement of the UV protection factor in accordance with the UV STANDARD 801 uses the most stringent criteria based on a simulation of the most realistic conditions possible. It includes:
A worst-case scenario: maximum UV ray intensity based on the solar spectrum used by Australian/New Zealand standards and the most sensitive skin type.
Validated measurement procedures for simulating typical usage conditions: soaked clothing, weathering on sunshade textiles, an aging process based on rubbing and wash cycles and stretching of the material.
The determined UPF is used as a multiplier for the natural protection time of the skin type in question and indicates how much longer the textile lets you stay out in the sun while effectively protecting your skin from damage. The following UV protection factors (UPF) can be achieved in accordance with the UV STANDARD 801 and marked on the label: e.g. 15, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80.
Certification Process
Complete and sign application form. Be sure to include precise product description and intended use. Print copies to ship with samples.
At least 1 m² of each material and color, taken across the entire (or at least half of) the product width
For clothing, one sketch of each finished product
Included printed copy of Application + Declaration of Conformity with shipment
The samples are tested according to the programs for clothing or shading textiles
Test report - including the UV protection factors for all test steps
Note - tested material in finished products:
Claims can only be made if the material use meets the UV protection objective for locations normally exposed to direct sunlight
This is a customer obligation and does not form part of the material testing
Certificate is granted if:
Application, declaration of conformity and testing are successfully completed
Product complies with basic requirements of UV protection objective
UPF≥10
Success and security are casting their shadows ahead.
For all types of clothing and shading textiles, we recommend measuring the UV protection factor according to the UV STANDARD 801, which tests under realistic conditions applying the strictest criteria. In order to determine a user-reliable Ultra Violet Protection Factor (UPF), account must be taken of the particular requirements that a sunscreen textile is exposed to during use. Based on our measurements, you can advertise your products with the well-known UV STANDARD 801 label.
Comparison of international standards：
Label and Hang Tag
Hangtags and product labels highlight certified products
The third-party UV STANDARD 801 label builds trust with consumers. It facilitates easy identification of UV protection products and tested UPF. The UV STANDARD 801 hangtag includes additional consumer info on textile UV protection, including how to determine your skin type and necessary UPF.
UV STANDARD 801 Label Elements
Any trusted label should include traceable information, including certificate number, testing institute and website as below picture showing.
The certificate and product label are valid for one year.
Tested products can be labeled with UPF value of 15, 20, 30, 40, 60 or 80 (test results are rounded down to the next level)
Certificate lists the lowest determined UV protection factor under all test conditions
Test report lists the exact UV protection factors for all test steps
Upon request, the product may listed in UV STANDARD 801 product database
Annual renewal of the certificate and is required for continued use of the UV STANDARD 801 label. Renewal applicants must submit:
Representative sample material for testing
Completed application form
Significant changes to the product or testing failures require brand new certifications.
Certificates can be extended (during the one year validity period) to include additional colors within the same certified material. The new samples are subject to the complete testing program.
The certificate's original expiry date remains unchanged.
Factsheet_UV STANDARD 801
Factsheet_Textiles UV Protection
Brochure_UV STANDARD 801
Fill in application form online
