DIN EN ISO 16189 Toluene (accredited)

Our test laboratory performs accredited testing according to DIN EN ISO 16189 for the quantitative determination of toluene in footwear materials and footwear components. The standard describes an analytical method for determining volatile organic solvent residues in materials and components used in footwear. Toluene is industrially used, among other applications, as a solvent in adhesives, coatings, printing inks, polymer formulations, and finishing systems and may remain as a residue in various footwear materials.

Test Procedure

For the test, the sample material is prepared under defined conditions and extracted using suitable solvents. Quantitative determination of the toluene content is subsequently carried out by instrumental analysis, typically using chromatographic methods combined with appropriate detection systems. The standardized procedure enables reproducible and sensitive detection of solvent residues even in complex material composites and coated materials.

The test is applied particularly to footwear upper materials, artificial leather, textile coatings, polymer materials, sole materials, adhesive systems, and other synthetic footwear components. It is used for quality control, chemical product safety assessment, and verification of material requirements within supplier approval processes and restricted substance lists (RSLs). Due to its health relevance and volatility, toluene is addressed in numerous customer-specific requirements as well as international regulations and product safety assessments.