In the know: A new ISO standard is being developed for footwear manufacturing

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is currently creating a new standard named ISO/TC 19577 Critical substances potentially present in footwear and footwear components -- Determination of Nitrosamines.

This ISO standard is currently under development, and when released, will be among the vast list of ISO standards issued for the footwear industry. Using ISO standards in manufacturing is a method of improving manufacturing systems and processes with the aim of improving the safety and quality of products in order to satisfy customer needs. ISO standards also act as a guidelines to ensure that footwear products are fit for their purpose.

The footwear industry is currently tightening regulations for the use of rubbers in footwear manufacturing. Traditional rubber accelerators, such as thiazoles (MBTS/MBT) and thiurams (TMTD), have been identified to leave toxic residues in shoe soles and also generate highly toxic nitrosamines during the manufacturing process. These chemicals pose a hazard to the individual wearing the shoes as well as the environment.

The footwear industry is now becoming more aware of the issues associated with traditional accelerators, such as: Type IV allergy concerns, nitrosamine generation and residual accelerators that impact their consumers and the environment. For this reason, ISO are reviewing the guidelines of nitrosamines present in footwear and footwear components to then issue a standard to act as a benchmark.

As regulations tighten, more rubber article manufacturers wish to identify safer alternatives to traditional rubber accelerators. Robinson Brothers’ Robac Technology division is capable of providing technical support in rubber accelerators in order to offer bespoke solutions to such challenges. One particular rubber accelerator, Robac AS100, was specifically engineered to be completely consumed during rubber vulcanisation in order to prevent the generation of harmful nitrosamines and zero residue. No residue, no hazard, no risk.

Robac Technology products provide solutions for regulatory demands in terms of health, safety and environmental matters; whilst satisfying the exacting demands of applications. If you need assistance with transitioning to safer accelerator systems, please contact us today.

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