FALKE Quality Guideline
Preamble to the FALKE Quality Guideline
FALKE defines itself as a provider of first-class products. In addition to a sophisticated design, we combine this with the idea of the highest quality.
The FALKE Quality Guideline is the standard for implementing these quality requirements and therefore applies to all FALKE products as well as to all
preliminary products.
As an integral part of the FALKE Purchasing Conditions, the Quality Guideline is legally binding for all FALKE suppliers unless a written objection is
made.
Material deliveries are based on our terms and conditions of purchase and our Code of Conduct, which our suppliers confirm.
In addition, in accordance with the legal standards of the German Supply Chain Sourcing Obligations Act and/or the requirements of the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct, we ask suppliers on a case-by-case basis to provide additional information on human rights or environmental risks, for example according to the results of an amfori BSCI audit.
Furthermore, we will randomly check certified qualities in independent testing laboratories to ensure that the certificate has been legitimately issued.
The FALKE Quality Guideline and the cited standards apply in their current version. The latest version of the FALKE Quality Guideline is available online here.
Minimum requirements – yarns
We expect the delivery of goods according to Oekotex Standard 100, Class 1 Annex 6.In the case of seasonal yarns, we accept certification according to Oekotex Standard 100, Class 2 Annex 6, in deviation from the requirements stated in this
document, if at least the pollutant limits of the FALKE Quality Guideline are met. Seasonal products are items that are only produced for one season. Suppliers
are informed by FALKE which materials are used exclusively in seasonal articles.
From suppliers with a textile wet production we require an environmentally conscious chemical management with naming of the wet production site and the
confirmation by a ZDHC waste water test. (Exceptions: spun-dyed man-made fibers and raw white yarns).
Deviations from the requirements listed here and alternative certificates must be approved by FALKE in each individual case.
Test criterion | Test method | Differentiation | Request |
Yarn count |
DIN EN ISO 2060 / DIN 53830-3 |
|
< ± 5% |
Spinning / twisting |
DIN EN ISO 2061 |
|
According to approved data sheet |
Friction value | Zweigle, Medan Attrifil III |
Polypropylen all other fibers |
0,12-0,22 0,12-0,18 |
Tensile strength | DIN EN ISO 2062 | Wool Wool / Polyamide Cotton Silk Polyamide Polyacrylic Polypropylene |
> 4 cN/tex > 6 cN/tex > 10 cN/tex > 12 cN/tex > 30 cN/tex > 10 cN/tex > 20 cN/tex |
Uniformity & Hairiness | Uster (ASTM D1425) | According to approved data sheet | |
Residual moisture / conditioning | ISO 6741 | < ± 2%, unless otherwise agreed | |
Winding board | Optical inspection | passed, no moiré effects | |
Color measurement | DIN EN ISO/CIE 11664 | Defined polyamide colors all other fibers / colors |
ΔE < 1.5 ΔE < 1.0 |
Rubbing fastness wet | DIN EN ISO 105-X12 | Bright colors Dark colors (cotton; cellulose; Silk and blends thereof) Dark colors (all other fiber types) |
≥ 4 ≥ 2-3 ≥ 3-4 |
Rubbing fastness dry | DIN EN ISO 105-X12 | Bright colors Dark colors |
= 5 ≥ 4 |
Color fastness washing | DIN EN ISO 105-C06 (CO 60 °C; WO 40 °C; PA 50 °C; PES 60 °C; PAN 30 °C /40 °C) (Fine: PAN 30 °C) |
Bleeding onto multifiber support fabric Change of hue |
≥ 3-4 ≥ 4 ≥ 4 |
Color fastness water heavy | DIN EN ISO 105-E01; bleeding onto multifiber backing fabric |
Bright colors Dark colors |
= 5 ≥ 4 |
Sweat fastness sour | DIN EN ISO 105-E04 | ≥ 3-4 | |
Sweat fastness alkaline | DIN EN ISO 105-E04 | ≥ 3-4 | |
Saliva/sweat fastness | DIN 53160-1/-2 | ≥ 4-5 | |
Light fastness | DIN EN ISO 105-B02 | Brilliant colors Other colors |
≥ 3-4 ≥ 4 |
With each first delivery of a new yarn quality we expect the transmission of the corresponding Technical Data Sheet. A sample with the minimum information to
be supplied can be found in the appendix. Furthermore, we ask for the sending of the concrete test results for each delivered lot.
Minimum requirements – articles
We expect the delivery of goods according to Oekotex Standard 100, Class 1 Annex 6.For seasonal articles, we accept certification according to Oekotex Standard 100, Class 2 Appendix 6, in deviation from the requirements stated in this
document, if at least the pollutant limits of the FALKE Quality Guideline are met. Seasonal products are items that are only produced for one season. Suppliers
are informed by FALKE which articles are exclusively seasonal.
Any deviations beyond this and alternative certificates must be approved by FALKE in each individual case.
From suppliers with a textile wet production we require an environmentally conscious chemical management with naming of the wet production site and the
confirmation by a ZDHC waste water test. (Exceptions: spun-dyed man-made fibers and raw white yarns).
Test criterion | Test method | Differentiation | Request |
Color measurement |
DIN EN ISO/CIE 11664 |
Defined polyamide colors |
ΔE < 1.5 |
Optics after washing Embroidery, imprint, decoration |
Visual comparison with released FALKE patterns |
No visible change | |
emerging thread ends | Visual comparison with released FALKE patterns |
None | |
Rubbing fastness wet | DIN EN ISO 105-X12 | Bright colors Dark colors (cotton; cellulose; Silk and blends thereof) Dark colors (all other fiber types) |
≥ 4 ≥ 2-3 ≥ 3-4 |
Rubbing fastness dry | DIN EN ISO 105-X12 | Bright colors Dark colors |
= 5 ≥ 4 |
Washing fastness | DIN EN ISO 105-C06 (CO 60 °C; WO 40 °C; PA 50 °C; PES 60 °C; PAN 40 °C) (Fine: PAN 30 °C) |
Bleeding onto multifiber support fabric Change of hue |
≥ 3-4 ≥ 4 ≥ 4 |
Water justice heavy | DIN EN ISO 105-E01 Bleeding onto single-fiber backing fabric |
Bright colors Dark colors |
≥ 5 ≥ 4 |
Sweat fastness sour | DIN EN ISO 105-E04 | ≥ 3-4 | |
Sweat fastness alkaline | DIN EN ISO 105-E04 | ≥ 3-4 | |
Light fastness | DIN EN ISO 105-B02 | Brilliant colors Other colors |
≥ 3-4 ≥ 4 |
Phenolic yellowing (BHT) | DIN EN ISO 105-X18 | ≥ 4 | |
pH value (ISO 3071, KCI solution) | ISO 3071, KCI solution | Products with mandatory subsequent wet treatment Foams All other products |
4,0 - 10,5 4,0 - 9,0 4,0 - 7,5 |
Minimum requirements - knitted articles
Test criterion | Test method | Differentiation | Request |
ICI Pilling |
DIN EN ISO 12945-1 |
Material dependent, see standard |
≥ 3-4 |
Martindale | DIN EN ISO 12945-2 | 2,000/ 5,000/ 7,000 revolutions | ≥ 3-4 |
Scrub resistance / Martindale | DIN EN 13770 | Until the hole is formed | ≥ 20.000 |
Abrasion test / Taber Abraser | DIN ISO 9352 | ≤ 3 | |
shrinkage after washing according to care labeling |
Laundry DIN EN ISO 6330 DIN EN ISO 5077 |
Lying dimension | < ±3% |
Saliva/sweat fastness | DIN 53160-1/-2 | Only for baby and children's items | ≥ 4-5 |
Minimum requirements - fine knit articles
Test criterion | Test method | Differentiation | Request |
Martindale |
DIN EN ISO 12945 |
5,000 revolutions (plush and >80 den) |
≥ 3 |
Injection after washing according to care labeling |
Laundry DIN EN ISO 6330 DIN EN ISO 5077 |
Lying dimension | < 5% |
Saliva/sweat fastness | DIN 53160-1/-2 | = 5 |
Minimum requirements - Apparel / Seamless / cut & sew
Test criterion | Test method | Differentiation | Request |
ICI Pilling / Martindale |
DIN EN ISO 12945 |
5,000 revolutions |
≥ 3 |
Entry Individually and in total after several treatment steps |
Laundry DIN EN ISO 6330 | Horizontal dimension after steaming, after chem. Cleaning, after tumbling |
< 2% |
Fit dimensions according to measurement chart |
Measuring points are defined in sketch of section directrics/PM |
< ±2% | |
Seam elongation | FALKE test standard | Target: at least 80% of the fabric elongation |
< ±5% |
Contrast color test | Use wash test according to care label & next higher wash level |
Black/white; red/white; ... | No visible change |
Saliva/sweat fastness | DIN 53160-1/-2 | = 5 | |
Solvent fastness / dry cleaning | DIN EN ISO 105-D01 | ≥ 4 |
Minimum requirements - accessories / ingredients / accessories
Test criterion | Test method | Differentiation | Request |
ICI Pilling / Martindale |
DIN EN ISO 12945 |
2,000 revolutions |
≥ 3-4 |
Single and total entry after several treatment steps |
Laundry DIN EN ISO 6330 DIN EN ISO 5077 |
Horizontal dimension after steaming, after chem. Cleaning, after tumbling |
< 2% |
Fit dimensions according to measurement chart |
< 2% | ||
Seam elongation | < 5% | ||
Contrast color test | Black/white; red/white; ... | No visible change | |
Saliva/sweat fastness | DIN 53160-1/-2 | = 5 | |
Solvent fastness / dry cleaning | DIN EN ISO 105-D01 | ≥ 4 |
For deliveries of ingredients / trims, the following applies in addition:
For all materials that meet the skin, we expect compliance with Oekotex Standard 100 Class 1 Annex 4. Suppliers who comply with Oekotex Standard 100 Class
1 Annex 6 are preferred. For all materials that meet the fine area, we expect compliance with Oekotex Standard 100 Class 2 Annex 4. Suppliers who comply
with Oekotex Standard 100 Class 1 Annex 6 or Annex 4 are preferred.
All materials that do NOT meet the skin must comply with Oekotex Standard 100, Class 2 Annex 4.
There is a separate procedure for deliveries of other materials such as giveaways, promotional items, accessories, etc:
We expect a confirmation that the delivered goods comply with the EU chemical legislation REACh (Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 of the European
Parliament and of the Council) and that compliance with the regulation is assured in writing. For suppliers outside the EU, we ask for evidence or test
certificates on a case-by-case basis/depending on the product.
For product additions to FALKE articles, there is a process flow with approval that must be observed. For the sales countries named by FALKE in the purchase
requisition, the manufacturer confirms that the local requirements are met. In addition, we expect a note if additional markings are required, e.g. CE marking,
special safety marking.
Expected certificates
Material |
Requirements |
Sheep wool |
WTO Wool Sheep Welfare Guideline 2013 |
Angora wool |
Caregora™ certification |
Cotton |
Suppliers are informed by FALKE if the requirement is GOTS or OCS. |
Cellulose fibers (e.g. viscose, modal, lyocell, ...) |
FSC or PEFC certification |
List of prohibited substances
For the term substance, the definition according to Article 3 of Regulation EC No. 1907/2006 (REACh Regulation) applies.
A prohibited substance is a substance identifiable by CAS number or other unique scientific description that is named in the attached rules and assigned a use
prohibition and/or concentration limit.
When articles are supplied, they must not contain any prohibited substances above the specified concentration limits. All prohibited substances with limit
values can be found in the appendix "FALKE List of Restricted Substances for Articles (RSL)". Unless otherwise agreed, the Oekotex Class 1 column (Standard 100
Annex 4) listed there shall apply as a matter of principle. No prohibited substances according to ZDHC-MRSL above the limits specified therein may be used in
the manufacture of the articles. We expect an appropriate chemical management.
When chemicals are supplied, they must not contain any banned substances above the specified concentration limits. All banned substances with limit values
are listed in the current ZDHC-MRSL. Viewable for reference purposes at https://mrsl.roadmaptozero.com/MRSL2_0. Unavoidable impurities must be kept to the
minimum necessary and must in any case remain below the concentration limits specified in the ZDHC-MRSL.
For supplied chemicals, all ingredients must be registered with ECHA to the required extent in accordance with Article 6 of Regulation EC No. 1907/2006
(REACh Regulation) or fall under one of the exemptions listed in Article 2 REACh Regulation para. (7).
The supplier or seller of chemicals confirms that he is located in the European Union and has fulfilled all obligations as a manufacturer or importer according to
the REACh regulation. If substances are regulated both in this paragraph on chemicals legislation (REACh) and in the case of prohibited substances (ZDHCMRSL), the lower or more restrictive concentration limit applies. When first ordered from FALKE, all chemicals go through an internal approval process
Deviations from the above rules must be communicated separately to FALKE and expressly confirmed before delivery.
More detailed explanations of the test methods can be found under the published instruction "Test methods" of Oeko-Tex, edition 01/2022 (as of 01.2022) or the
accompanying documents to the ZDHC-MRSL.
Chemicals deliveries
The supplier is legally obliged to inform if SVHC substances (Substances of Very High Concern) according to the REACh candidate list exceed a weight
percentage of 0.1% in substances and articles. (Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 Article 33 and Annex XIV)
Supplied articles, individual parts thereof (definition according to REACh) and its packaging may ("REACh") ...
• ... do not contain substances on the candidate list (current status) according to Article 59 (1) of Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 above 0.1% by mass,
• ... do not contain any prohibited substances of Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 above the limits specified therein,
• ... do not contain substances subject to authorization in Annex XIV of Regulation (EC) 1907/2006.
Link to the candidate list on the website of the European Chemicals Agency (EChA): https://echa.europa.eu/de/candidate-list-table
Deviations must be communicated separately to FALKE and expressly confirmed before delivery.
Additional requirements
Supply chain due diligence act
FALKE is subject to the Supply Chain Sourcing Obligations Act (LKSG). In order to comply with this legal requirement, you are obligated to disclose to us thesupply chain of the item/material purchased by us back to the raw material.
Medical supplies
In addition to the above requirements, the following deviations apply to medical devices:• Products: Oekotex Class 1 Annex 6 if necessary by agreement Oekotex Class 1 Annex 4
• Chemicals: ZDHC Level 2
Additional evidence to be provided by agreement:
• List of all ingredients / Certificate of Analysis
• Proof of biocompatibility according to ISO 10993
• Supplier self-disclosure MDR (requirements for suppliers of medical devices)
Suppliers whose products are used in medical articles are informed of this by FALKE.
Other requirements
Testing | Request | Comment |
Biologically active products |
None |
Except treatments accepted by Oeko-Tex (current list on http://www.oeko-tex.com) |
Flame retardant products | No prohibited flame retardants according to annex "restricted substances" as active components |
Except treatments accepted by Oeko-Tex (current list on http://www.oeko-tex.com) |
Odor test | No smell of mold, heavy gasoline, fish, aromatics or odor enhancers | In accordance with SNV 195 651 |
Asbestos | No findings on polarized light microscopy examination at a magnification of at least 250x. | |
Plastics | No PVC in sole print or application No PVC in packaging material |
Packing instructions
Yarn packages as well as the outer packaging of the yarns are to be delivered in accordance with the packaging instructions shown in the Annex.Validity and obligation to report
Suppliers are obligated to notify FALKE of any changes to its materials and chemicals, changes to core processes or updates or discontinuation of certificationswithout being requested to do so prior to delivery of the new/changed materials or chemicals.
Social standards
For compliance with social standards within our supply chain, we refer to the FALKE Code of Conduct and the Declaration of Principles under the GermanSupply Chain Duty of Care Act.