English Version 2.0 TEST LABORATORIES PROTECTION AND SAFETY SUSTAINABILITY

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1 English Version 2.0 Innovation Experience SUSTAINABILITY PROTECTION AND SAFETY TEST LABORATORIES

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3 SUMMARY Centrocot pag. 5 Graphic design and press: Grafiche Casbot srl - These copies are printed on 100% recycled paper TEST LABORATORIES pag. 7 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION pag. 8 PROTECTION AND SAFETY pag. 10 OEKO TEX STANDARD 100 pag. 12 SUSTAINABILITY pag. 14 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT pag. 18 TRAINING pag. 19 TECHNOLOGICAL OBSERVATORY pag. 20 INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATORY pag. 21 FUTURE EVOLUTION pag

4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TEST LABORATORIES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABILITY PROTECTION AND SAFETY TRAINING INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATORY 1990 Registration on the Public / Private External highly qualified Laboratories Italian Register, Law n. 46 of the 17/2/1982, with authorization by D.M. 26/5/ G.U.R.I. nr /5/ Accredited laboratory ACCREDIA nr in compliance with UNI CEI EN standard and UNI EN ISO serie 9000 standard 2002 Accredited laboratory in compliance with UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17025/2000 standard 2006 Member of network of laboratories of the Chambers of Commerce - Retelab 2011 Spectral reflectance accredited laboratory (LAT 226) by ACCREDIA for calibration of instruments and reference materials for color measurements 1996 Authorization by the Italian Ministries of Industry, Trade, Handcraft and of Labour to release CE conformity certifications and certificates for garments and gloves for personnel protection and related notification EEC nr (Renewal and extension:2000, 2006, 2013) 2001 Member of The International Testing Association for Applied UV Protection to release the certification according to UV 801 Standard Accredited by ACCREDIA (Accreditation Certificate nr. 163B) in accordance with standard EN Ed 1999 as a Product Certification Body, confirmed the authorization to issue Certificates EC Type for Personal Protective Equipment in accordance with Art. 10 of the PPE Directive 89/686/EEC and its control of production according to Article 11 A and 11 B of the same Directive according to UNI CEI ISO/IEC 17065:2012(transition to the new legislation) Centrocot is recognized by CIK-FIA (Fédération Internationale de l Automobile, Karting section) and authorized to conduct all the tests for the purpose of the homologation of suits for kart in accordance with the new CIK-FIA N2013 Regulation Centrocot is recognized by FIA - Fédération Internationale de l Automobile - and authorized to conduct all the tests for the purpose of the homologation of suits, undergarments, gloves and shoes in accordance with the FIA Standard Member of Oeko-Tex International Association, International Association for Research and Test in the field of the Textile ecology, in order to release Oeko-Tex Standard certifications: - Oeko-Tex Standard STeP by OEKO-TEX for sustainable textile production. (since 2013) 2008 Recognition as an accredited inspection structure to carry out compliance audits with the requirements of STV Voluntary Traceability TF System - Traceability & Fashion [renewal : 2013] 1989 Registration on the Italian National Register of Research cod. E019OYZ Member of the international association Textranet - Textile Transfer Network 2005 Registration on QuESTIO Register - Region Lombardy - ID CRTT 3329, assessment system of R&D and Technological Transfer Centres (annual renewal) 2002 Accredited by Lombardy Region as vocational training and orientation Center (DM n. 166 of 25/05/2001, L.R 19/2007) 2003 Certified Quality Management System (vocational training and orientation) in compliance with UNI EN ISO 9001:2000 standard (Certiquality nr. 6532) and renewal in compliance with UNI EN ISO 9001:2008 standard 2008 Laboratory accredited by the American Body C.P.S.C. Consumer Product Safety Commission (Id. Nr. 1070) for the following laboratory tests: - Lead Paint - Surface Coating Materials (16CFR part 1303) tests and for Lead content in children s metal jewelry - Lead content in children s metal products and for Lead content in children s not-metal products (CPSIA - PL ) - textile garments flammability standards (16CFR part 1610) - children s sleepwear flammability standards (16CFR part 1615 and 16CFR part 1616) - Phthalates content in children s products tests (CPSIA - PL ) - Soluble Test for Metals from Surface Coating Materials (ASTM F963-08)

5 CENTROCOT Established in Busto Arsizio - Varese - on 7 th October 1987 by entrepreneurial associations, trade associations, trade unions, public bodies and the credit institutions spread all around the territory, Centro Tessile Cotoniero e Abbigliamento S.p.A. - in short Centrocot - was founded out of the need to support the companies that make up the whole chain in the Textile and Clothing segment, by providing highly specialized services, from traditional to technical textiles. With over 80 employees in staff, Centrocot offers highly qualified resources who can perform technical activities as regards testing, research, technical support, experimentation, and training. 5

6 NEW Innovation experience Innovation experience Centrocot is developing a test laboratory intended to analyze leather materials and products according to national and international legistlation. All tests are aimed at verification of performance requirements and safety characteristics. Chemical, ecological, psychical- mechanical tests Assessment of toxic and harmful substances in the process and in the product AvAngArde And innovation A technical support to the CompAnies leather Performance assessment of the product in the conditions of use Straightness assessment of the materials under static and dynamic forces SubStanceS of very high concern Svhc - candidate LiSt Screening test The Candidate list contains more than 160 substances. More and more companies must ensure and sign declaration conform to SVHC list for the products inserted on the market. Often the conformity declaration is signed on the basis of documental analysis of the processes, instead of laboratory tests that are able to verify the conformity to 0,01% by weight (1000 mg/kg). Centrocot provides service of complete screening of product in order to determine the substances on the Candidate list. Innovation experience Centro Tessile Cotoniero e Abbigliamento S.p.A. I - Piazza S.Anna, Busto Arsizio (VA) tel fax info@centrocot.it Con il contributo di Innovation experience Centro Tessile Cotoniero e Abbigliamento S.p.A. I - Piazza S.Anna, Busto Arsizio (VA) tel fax info@centrocot.it Innovation experience Innovation experience 6 Quality, innovaton and Wellness a technical support to the companies FOOD CONTACT COMPLIANCE OF MATERIALS AND OBJECTS Centrocot performs tests in support of the declaration of compliance for food contact materials. Each material intended to come into contact with foodstuff might be a source of contamination and compromise the food safety; this represents one of the main food related hazard for the consumer. The regulation (CE) n. 1935/2004 defines general requirements that materials and objects in contact with food have to respect. There are also specific regulations for each country and the EU. Thanks to its innovative laboratories and highly qualified experts, Centrocot is able to deliver specific laboratory tests on materials according to real conditions of use. Stability StudieS analytical method CosmetiC AnAlysis Centrocot offers many analytical services for cosmetic products. development and validation raw materials testing packaging testing Quantification of: Active principles Preservants Surfactants Dyes Thanks to its innovative laboratories and highly qualified experts Centrocot is able to support cosmetics companies in quality control. Centrocot with its ecotoxicological experience can determine traces of substances of concern. Antioxidants Disinfectants Heavy metals Solvents Innovation experience Centro Tessile Cotoniero e Abbigliamento S.p.A. I - Piazza S.Anna, Busto Arsizio (VA) tel fax info@centrocot.it Con il contributo di Innovation experience Centro Tessile Cotoniero e Abbigliamento S.p.A. I - Piazza S.Anna, Busto Arsizio (VA) tel fax info@centrocot.it Innovation experience textile Comfort you design, we measure Centrocot developed a set of laboratory tests to analyse the performance and the sensations provided by a fabric to the wearer, assessing the comfort of textile product. from body feelings to laboratory tests Innovation experience Comfort index: level of well-being offered to the wearer sensory TesTing Tests able to reproduce the sensations felt by the wearer of the garment. The system analyses the intrinsic properties of the fabric, such as flexibility and hairiness, and its interaction with human skin, thanks to specific equipment designed to this purpose. Thermo-phisiological TesTing Tests intended to analyse textile properties affecting the capability of the human body to manage its temperature and sweat, for the maintenance of a stable and comfortable condition. The evaluation of comfort level considers fabric, body, and surroundings. FormalDehyDe, VoC (Volatile organic CompounD) and indoor air quality Determination Centrocot performs tests for determination of volatile organic compound (VOC) in textile, automotive, construction materials, varnish and paint using the emission chamber method in conformity with ISO The test are performed with a sophisticated system of emission chamber that simulates an indoor environment. The analytical method allows determination of more than 300 substances, some of which have carcinogen effect. In addition to that, with regards to textile materials (e.g. carpets, foam and pillows), Centrocot evaluates also the compliance to Oeke-Tex Standard 100 regulation. The test methods used by Centrocot for the VOCs evaluation are recognized at the international level and accredited by Accredia (ISO/ IEC 17025). Centro Tessile Cotoniero e Abbigliamento S.p.A. I - Piazza S.Anna, Busto Arsizio (VA) tel fax info@centrocot.it Innovation experience Centro Tessile Cotoniero e Abbigliamento S.p.A. I - Piazza S.Anna, Busto Arsizio (VA) tel fax info@centrocot.it

7 TESTLABORATORIES 1 The laboratories, which are among the most advanced at European level, operate as independent third parties and they are accredited by Accredia under number 0033 for over 500 tests ( Centrocot ranks first as regards the number of accredited tests in Italy. Ecological and Chemical Tests - Analytical test on textile product, leather, accessories and shoes, toys, plastic materials, metals, dyeing stuff, chemical products, auxiliary products, wastes and both liquid and gaseous sewage waters - Food contact on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food - Cosmetic to determine concentration of active substances and preservatives - Emission tests of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from coated materials and foams Mechanical and Physical Tests - Technological Tests on fibres, yarns, fabrics, feathers and downs, textile products in general, non-woven, clothing and accessories on leather, shoes and stocking - Dyeing Tests on fibres, yarns, fabrics, textile products in general, non-woven, clothing and accessories on leather and shoes 7 Security and Protection Tests - PPE tests on Personal Protective Equipment and fire reaction, high visibility, welding, entanglement, antistaticity, biological risk, chemical risk and mechanical risk tests - Biological Tests on textile products, waters, medical devices, barrier properties, antimicrobial, antibacterial, biocompatibility - Tests to define the screening from electromagnetic fields - Tests to measure the UPF-UV Protection Factor - Tests in the sports field with special reference to clothing for professional bikers - Tests to assess the waterproof characteristics of garments which may be classified as PPEs (Rain Tower) - Comfort Tests to define the thermal-physiological and sensory properties of textile products Calibrations Spectral reflectance accredited laboratory (LAT 226) by ACCREDIA for calibration of instruments and reference materials for colour measurements. The laboratory tests provide a fundamental support for the evaluation for the performance and specialist characteristics in textile products also after maintenance treatments (water and in solvent washing) and in the defect analysis. The development of new test methods and their optimization from the technical-scientific point of view is supported by the Lab Research and Development Area.

8 PERFORMANCEEVALUATION 2 Nowadays it is important for the Textile and Clothing sector to demonstrate the great performance levels offered by the textile products. These companies in fact, in this period of high competitiveness, should focus on quality to offer to the end user. But how to prove this value? How to guarantee to the consumer that has made the right choice? To support the companies that want to diversify production and to innovate products, the researchers of Centrocot design and develop advanced testing methods to prove the ground-breaking value of the products and to assess their innovative performances. 8 Comfort Index To help textile manufacturers to value their products, for example technical fabrics, Centrocot, thanks to its knowledge and expertise, developed a set of test to assess the level of wellbeing of the textile. This comfort index is estimated according to the end use of the final product (e.g. for firefighters, trekkers, swimmers, pilots and so on). Nowadays three different sectors are usually studied to assess the comfort index of textiles: Personal protective equipment (PPE) and workwear; Sportswear; Underwear. Obviously, the requirements for a textile used for working pants are different from the ones of a textile used for a running shirt. For this reason, it is fundamental to check all the elements to be considered for the textile comfort assessment: the set of test and the relative requirements are established on the bases of the constructive layer, the end use of the product and the climatic condition of use. Every new situation will be properly evaluated to assess the comfort index for different applications, in accordance to Centrocot long-time experience. Thermos-physiological and sensorial comfort are the main factors taken into account for the comfort index assessment, with references to ergonomic and protective properties if necessary. Psychological aspects are excluded, because not qualitatively and quantitatively measurable. The Comfort Index of textile is calculated taking into account two main contributions: Thermo-physiological (ICT) Sensorial (ICS) UV Standard 801 To determine the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), standardised measuring methods and a specialist test, as offered by Centrocot members of the International Test Association for Applied UV Protection, are required. In order to provide consumers with a reliable UPF, the particular requirements to which a sun protective textile is subjected during use must be taken into consideration. In the case of clothing, the stretching of a fabric during wear, moisture from perspiration or water and wear during use affect the sun protection factor. Furthermore the sun protection factor is also affected during and after care of the textile. The textile material is therefore

9 laundered as part of the test and wet during measurement and stretched in a specified manner. Correspondingly, Centrocot, members of the International Test Association for Applied UV Protection, recommend measuring the UV protection factor according to the UV Standard 801 for all types of clothing and shading textiles. This is always based on the worst-case scenario for wear and use. Bio-effective Label The laboratory of Textile Microbiology of Centrocot, has been engaged in the development and in the application of test methods for antibacterial fabrics and clothes and has prepared a label that attest the antibacterial effectiveness of the product, its harmlessness and the permanence of the antibacterial effect also after many washing cycles. In this way it is possible to safeguard both consumers from ineffective or toxic products, who, by means of the certification by third party, are able to demonstrate the quality of their textile products. Testing Methods Specific and advanced testing methods will be designed and performed to assess the innovative performances and characteristics of textiles and materials, for example: Friction test: design of a friction machine able to evaluate the surface properties of a fabric in different operating conditions and environments and against different contact-surfaces. Recycling: Development of tests able to identify recycled textiles in each step of the production process. Service conditions: Analysis and characterization of fabrics behaviour, reproducing the real use conditions, in term of performance and durability. 9

10 PROTECTIONAND SAFETY 3 PPE protect people against risks that can be encountered at the place of work, at home or during leisure time. At work, they can guarantee what the European Union considers a fundamental right: the right to health and safety at the workplace. This right is guaranteed by the European Union which has defined the essential requirements for health and safety that must be observed by manufacturers and importers of Personal Protective Equipments. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTS - EC CERTIFICATION The Directive 89/686/EEC defines PPE as any device or goods designed to be worn or held by an individual for protection against one or more health and safety hazards. The manufacturer or authorized representative in the EU must prepare the necessary technical documentation depending on the category to which the PPE belongs. Specifically, for category II and III a compliance evaluation procedure must be followed which involves the issue of a EC certification by a Notified Inspection Body and periodic production audits. Since 1996 Centrocot 1996 has been a Notified Inspection Body of the European Commission for the control of protective clothing and gloves for the of EC Certification (notification no. 0624). 10 The scope of Centrocot notification are: - High-visibility clothing; protective clothing used where there is a risk of entanglement between moving part. - Protective clothing, gloves and accessories against cold weather (to -50 ), for welding and similar activities, with antistatic characteristics, for use in sport, against biological risks, against chemical risks, against heat and flame and for Firefighter. - Protective clothing and gloves, against mechanical risks, for motorbike and for chainsaw users.

11 Personal Protective Equipment - New edition of the harmonized standards EN ISO 14116, EN ISO and EN ISO Protective clothing against risks resulting from contact with flames or heat in its various forms of transmission (convection, radiation, contact, projections of molten metals) are among the most used in security as they are employable in a wide range of operating situations and the associated risks. It important that the state of technical legislation is kept constantly updated. Within the framework of harmonized rules applicable for verification of compliance with essential health and safety of a specific European directive, every 5 years, the CEN (European Committee for Standardization) prepares a verification process to confirm or update of a particular requirements standard. At the end of 2015 revisions of three major standards used for the CE marking of protective clothing they have been published: - UNI EN ISO 14116: 2015 Protective clothing - protection against flame - materials, material assemblies and clothing Limited flame spread - UNI EN ISO 11611: 2015 Protective clothing used for welding and allied processes - UNI EN ISO 11612: 2015 Protective clothing - Garments for protection against heat and flame - Performance requirements minimum The system of standards is not substantially modified compared to the 2008/2009 editions; have been redefined, or better expressed, some requirements based on experience of previous years. Already published the list of Harmonised Standards for Directive 89/686 / EEC on the European Official Journal, officially replace older editions since January 31, The Centrocot laboratories are equipped to perform all the tests prescribed by the new rules and the PPE-EC Certification Area staff is available to the manufacturers of protective clothing Companies wishing to apply for a new certification or renewal of EC type-examination certificates issued pursuant to the previous editions. 11 CIK-FIA N2013 Regulation - FIA Standard Centrocot is recognized by CIK-FIA (Fédération Internationale de l Automobile, Karting section) and authorized to conduct all the tests for the purpose of the homologation of suits for kart in accordance with the new CIK-FIA N2013 Regulation. Centrocot is also recognized by FIA - Fédération Internationale de l Automobile - and authorized to conduct all the tests for the purpose of the homologation of suits, undergarments, gloves and shoes in accordance with the FIA Standard As part of the required tests for the CE mark of protective clothing against heat and flame Centrocot it has set up a new device to determine the resistance of materials to molten metal splashes. The reference standards are EN ISO for protective clothing and EN 407 for protective gloves that recall the test method EN ISO The aim is to simulate contact with splashes of molten materials which are subject to the clothing worn by steel workers. The tool, unique in Italy, consists of an induction system that in a few minutes to reach the melting temperature of the iron (1500 C) or aluminum (800 C) contained in a crucible in varying amounts between 60 g and 350 g. and a remotecontrolled mechanism which rotates the crucible producing casting directly on the specimen. The damage to or less than a PVC film placed under the specimen down the passing of the test.

12 OEKO-TEX Standard Night and day during our life our skin is in direct contact with textile products and their accessories. It is therefore important to be sure that these products are not a threat to our health. Today, the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification is a voluntary ecological-label for textile products and accessories best known in the world. 12 The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 label guarantees that textile products and their accessories do not release harmful substances to human health and are therefore safe products from the humanecological point of view; it is based on an extensive criteria catalogue. It includes substances which are prohibited or regulated by law, chemicals which are known to be harmful to health but for which there are not explicit legal regulations yet as well as further parameters for safeguarding health (e.g. a skin-friendly ph-value and good colour fastness have to be demonstrated). The certified articles comply with the requirements of Appendix XVII of the REACh legislation (including the use of azo dyestuffs, nickel etc.) and of American regulations relating to the total lead content in products for children (CPSIA, does not apply to materials made of glass). The criteria therefore go beyond the requirements of legislation in favour of more safety. They are scientifically founded, globally standardised and always up to date. They are re-evaluated annually and adapted when necessary. For successful certification according to OEKO-TEX Standard 100 all components of an item have to comply with the requirements without exception, that means in addition to the outer fabric and the sewing threads also the accessory parts such as zips, labels, cords or applications.

13 Product certification according to OEKO- TEX Standard 100 has a modular structure i.e. textile products can be tested and certified at any production stage (including manufacturing of accessories). Certificates can thus be issued for: raw materials, fibres, filaments, yarns, fabrics, ready-made products, textile and nontextile accessories, ecc. Moreover, products from man-made fibres can also carry the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label, just like items made from natural fibres after all, they are an essential pillar of the textile range. In this respect, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 acts globally and focuses on practical application. It offers effective protection against possible harmful substances and that for the entire range of textile products available on the market today. Worldwide, more than 10,000 companies in 91 countries have obtained the OEKO- TEX certification and to date more than 150,000 certificates have been issued. Since 1994, year of birth of the OEKO- TEX, Centrocot issued more than 12,500 certificates OEKO-TEX Standard 100, the Italian companies holding a certificate in 2015 are

14 SUSTAINABILITY 5 Some time ago sustainability was subject of interest only for few sensitive companies, recently its value is oriented even more to meet the demands of large industrial groups or individual brands that are moving in this direction especially for marketing needs. Thus it is born the awareness that being sustainable also means being more competitive. Centrocot to meet those needs has developed a range of high quality services: 14 STeP by OEKO-TEX Sustainable Textile Production (STeP by OEKO-TEX ) is an independent certification system for brands, retail companies and manufacturers within the textile chain who want to communicate their path to more sustainable production conditions to the public in a transparent and credible manner. The modular structure of the STeP by OEKO-TEX certification allows comprehensive analysis and evaluation of all relevant company areas regarding use of environmentally friendly technologies and products, efficient use of resources as well as compliance with social working conditions. The objective of the STeP by OEKO- TEX certification is the permanent implementation of environmentally friendly production processes and socially acceptable working conditions in production facilities along the textile chain. The dynamic further development of the STeP by OEKO-TEX criteria allows certified companies to continuously improve their environmental performance and social responsibility as well as their efficiency. This in turn enables them to achieve the best possible competitive position on the market. MySTeP by OEKO-TEX MySTeP by OEKO-TEX is a database strengthening your textile supply community. The database can be accessed worldwide from any location. As the central database of OEKO-TEX, MySTeP offers a number of services to registered partners, such as: - A customized supply chain mapping system for brands, retailers, and manufacturers in the textile chain - The OEKO-TEX certification management tool for OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and STeP by OEKO-TEX - Targeted analysis based on scoring of STeP certified companies - Benchmarking and statistical analysis of the supply chain MySTeP allows companies to review and evaluate their suppliers based on their own unique sustainability goals. This flexibility allows users to: - Align their efforts with the requirements of the international market - Compare suppliers based on a variety of sustainability factors - Select new suppliers using sustainability data important for their business - Identify and eliminate possible risks in the existing supply chain.

15 ECO-PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX Eco-Passport by OEKO-TEX is a verification procedure by which manufacturers of textile processing chemicals compounds, such as dyes, performance additives, finishing agents, lubricants, detergents and so on, are able to confirm that their products can be used in sustainable textile production. The certification program is comprised of three assessments which are conducted in a stepwise manner. Products that pass all three phases are granted the Eco-Passport by OEKO-TEX certification which indicates that the certified textile chemical is safe, increasing textile product and process safety and help protect consumers, textile industry workers and the environment from the negative impact of potentially harmful substances. Made in Green by OEKO-TEX Made in Green by OEKO-TEX is an independent textile label for highlighting consumer products and semi-finished products at all levels of the textile chain that are made from materials tested for harmful substances and that have been manufactured by using environmentally friendly processes and under safe and socially responsible working conditions. Basically, any finished textile items and semi-finished products at all levels of the textile supply chain can be granted the Made in Green by OEKO-TEX label, including all kinds of items of clothing and furnishings. The Made in Green by OEKO-TEX label shows the consumer that the textiles concerned are tested for harmful substances and sustainably produced in accordance with OEKO-TEX guidelines. Each item certified with the Made in Green label also features a unique product ID or QR code, which provides full traceability and transparency for the consumer. The labelling system gives them access to information regarding the production facilities along the textile chain in which the textile was produced, the stage of production in which the fabrics were employed and the countries in which the product was manufactured. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) LCA is an assessment for environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product s life from cradle to grave (i.e., from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling). LCAs can help avoid a narrow outlook on environmental concerns by: - Compiling an inventory of relevant energy and material inputs and environmental releases; - Evaluating the potential impacts associated with identified inputs and releases; - Interpreting the results to help make a more informed decision. Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) EDP is a standardized way of quantifying the environmental impact of a product or system. Declarations include information on the environmental impact of raw material acquisition, energy use and efficiency, content of materials and chemical substances, emissions to air, soil and water and waste generation. Product and company information is also included. An EPD is created in accordance with standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 15

16 16 Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) PEF is an assessment of the impact a particular product has on the environment. The product footprint is a primary concern of product lifecycle sustainability, an approach to managing the stages of a product s existence so that any negative impact on the environment is minimized. Ideally, a product will be carbon neutral or even carbon negative, having the net effect of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. One goal of sustainability may be a closed-loop product lifecycle, in which all elements that go into the creation of a product are reused, recycled or remanufactured rather than discarded. Green Public Procurement (GPP) Europe s public authorities are major consumers. By using their purchasing power to choose environmentally friendly goods, services and works, they can make an important contribution to sustainable consumption and production what we call Green Public Procurement, or GPP. Although GPP is a voluntary instrument, it has a key role to play in the EU s efforts to become a more resource-efficient economy. It can help stimulate a critical mass of demand for more sustainable goods and services which otherwise would be difficult to get onto the market. GPP is therefore a strong stimulus for ecoinnovation. To be a success, GPP needs clear and verifiable environmental criteria for products and services. A number of European countries already have national criteria, and the challenge now, as GPP becomes more widespread, is to ensure that the criteria are compatible between Member States. A level playing field will boost the single market, ensuring that what is good for the EU is also good for the environment. REACh regulation The Regulations 1906/2007 (REACh Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) has been introduced by the European Union to ensure proper and safe handling of chemical substances through strict procedures of recording, assessment, authorisation and restriction. Annexe XVII The Annex XVII of REACH regulation contains the list of restrictions of certain hazardous substances, mixtures and articles for their marketing and use on the European market. A restriction can apply to any substance on its own, in a mixture or in an article, including those that do not require registration. REACH Annex XVII includes all the restrictions adopted in the framework of REACH and the previous legislation, Directive 76/769/EEC. Each entry shows the substance or group of substances or the mixture, and the consequent restrictions conditions.

17 SVHC list (screening tests) The Candidate List is a list of substances that may have serious effects on human health or the environment. Substances on the Candidate List are also known as substances of very high concern. their inclusion to the Authorisation List. Once they are on the Authorisation List, industry will need permission to continue using the substance after the sunset date. Centrocot provides service of complete screening of product in order to determine the substances on the Candidate list. The aim of publishing such a list is to inform the industry and general public that these substances are candidates for inclusion in the Authorisation List. The inclusion in the candidate list also triggers further information obligations for industry and gives consumers the possibility to request information on these substances in articles. ECHA regularly prioritises the substances included in the Candidate List and recommends to the Commission DETOX campaign Eliminate hazardous substances by 2020 is rapidly spreading among brands and among the Italian companies operating at different points of the production chain. Also it is growing awareness of the competitive advantages offered by the strategies for a sustainable fashion and textiles. Signing the DETOX commitment involves a considerable effort: it means allocate human and financial resources to that activity, share information on the tests carried out on products and process water, map the substances used in producing and identifying the problem, engage their network of suppliers in the necessary steps to the elimination of toxic chemicals by processes. A commitment that involves businesses but also covers testing laboratories called to identify methods of investigation are able to verify the presence of chemicals with parameters that can ensure greater proximity to the requirement of the absence. A technique not by chance defined as best technology. Centrocot has enhanced testing laboratory in terms of advanced equipment capable of reaching Detection Limit lower and lower, that increasingly values closer to ZERO, a skill now available to companies who want to commit to a more sustainable textile. 17 Towards the economy of material resources: reuse and recycling of textiles In the textile and clothing industry the circular economy approach also means re-use and recycling of fibers and textiles. The related industrial aspects require: - quality and quantity recognition of the fibers and of a recycled fiber by the corresponding virgin, that compose a textile article, - traceability of materials throughout the process, - validation checks and inspection of cleaning, sanitization and decontamination, in case of reuse, - study for the use and related treatment processes of textile scraps into non-textile applications.

18 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 6 R&D Department aims to support the enterprises in the essential processes of innovation, technological development and management, improving their competitiveness and transforming groundbreaking ideas into real products on the market. Thanks to our research staff with high scientific expertise, Centrocot is able to perform personalized activities offering multi-sectorial services: textile and mechanical engineering, chemistry, biotechnology, pharmaceutics. Project Development Centrocot plays an important role of connection between Institutional Research Bodies and Companies. Through continuous linking with International Partners, it promotes local, regional and European research, implements development and animation projects and stimulates innovation. R&D and Project Departments help companies creating ad hoc partnerships, drafting the project proposal and managing the whole research activities Research Activities 18 Centrocot promotes the innovation of products and the optimization of processes, developing multi-functional textiles to satisfy the growing and changing innovation technology requirements of the market and realizing advanced surface processes, such as plasma treatment and UV-curing, able to reach high performance and low environmental impact New Testing Methods Frequently a conventional analytic approach is not able to satisfy the technical data requirements and to underline the added value of a new product in comparison with a traditional one. Centrocot researchers design and develop specific and advanced testing methods in order to characterize textile products with novel functionalization, to assess their innovative performances for new applications and to demonstrate their groundbreaking value. BIOTECH SuSTaINaBIlITy SPORT and leisure CIvIl ENgINEERINg INTERIOR DESIgN geotextiles NaNOTECH HEalTHCaRE automotive motorcycling FaSHION ClOTHINg TRaNSPORT COmPOSITE Naval INDuSTRy PROTECTIvE ClOTHINg FOOD

19 TRAINING 7 Accredited by the Lombardy Region to provide training services and certified by Certiquality pursuant to the requisites as in the UNI EN ISO 9001:2008 standard, the Centrocot Training Area offers the own over-twenty-years-long managerial and technical experience as regards the training activities in the Textile, Clothing and Fashion an Technical Textile at a national and international level. 19 The main activities are: Planning and supplying training courses and seminars for companies, private and public operators Young people training through an extended offer of courses with the aim to give profession skills for their introduction into the Textile Clothing, Fashion, Technical Textile and Shoes industries. Monitoring the funded opportunities, both National and European, in order to offer the opportunity to have a financing for the training activities Developing training activities on-site or e-learning modality Promoting and realising training projects at territorial, regional and European level aimed to develop textile professional figures. High technical training courses for young people and adults, employed and unemployed, who, after graduation, intend to qualify and specialize in the textile sector. At the end of the courses it is issued a qualification according to European standards recognized at national and European level. In this context, Centrocot adheres as a participant partner at Foundation ITS COSMO ( born during 2008 year in application of Ministers Decree of the President of the Council with the aim of ensuring a stable supply of two-year courses in technical fields and according to the European, national and regional economic programs.

20 TECHNOLOGICAL OBSERVATORY 8 Centrocot works to make companies aware as regards technological innovation and the related future opportunities. The Observatory also takes care of the online newsletter I.TN-Innovation Textile News, that, quarterly,, provides information and updates on the most important events concerning the Textile Clothing and Fashion sector. Please note the activity to support the organization of conferences and workshops with the aim to provide updates and know-how in the field of technological innovation through the organization of prevalently mono-thematic meetings with important witnesses as regards the latest news from the different players in the chain. 20

21 INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATORY 9 Getting to know the binding requirements in force at international level is an essential tool for selling. Verification of product compliance and correct labeling are the essential requirements for companies to avoid damage both economic and image: this applies both to companies that export them directly and for those in the upstream sector. Centrocot offers a targeted information related to the binding technical legislation within the International markets. In order to perform this activity Centrocot obtained the required accreditations to carry out lab tests to check the compliance of the textile products destined to the European, Chinese and American markets. Particularly, Centrocot: - Is accredited by Accredia (ILAC) to perform tests under Chinese methods (GB ), the standard defining the requirements to protect the consumers safety as concerns all the textile materials sold on the Chinese market. - Is accredited by CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement) under no as an independent laboratory to carry out ecological tests (measurement of phtalates, of lead contained in paints, in both metal and non-metal products, in jewels) and flammability tests (on fabrics for clothing and night fabrics and clothing for children). - The representative office in Shanghai Pudong, by the Italian Center offers a qualified technical support. 21

22 FUTUREEVOLUTION 10 Centrocot, relying on the skills acquired and consolidated over the years, Centrocot has always pointed to its ability to look into the future, continuously and with strength. Centrocot produces innovation, by improving the processes, opening up to new markets and to the international dimension, by identifying and experimenting new application opportunities in the textile sector. A perfect match of tradition and innovation allows Centrocot to bypass the own geographical and structural limits, thus turning the textile process and the collected know-how into a development method in all industrial fields. Experience and experimentation account for fundamental elements to guarantee the future of the textile sector: Centrocot continuously refines the own skills, thus making them available to other industrial sectors as well, and acting as a real strategic competitive player for their development and growth. 22

23 CENTROCOTPEOPLE

24 Innovation experience Centro Tessile Cotoniero e Abbigliamento S.p.A. Piazza S.Anna, Busto Arsizio (VA) tel fax info@centrocot.it