Ensuring Quality in the Apparel Industry: Raw Materials Quality Assurance Strategies

Ensuring high-quality raw materials is essential for apparel brands to avoid disruptions, reputational harm, and financial losses. Implementing a robust raw materials quality assurance program can help brands mitigate these risks.

Why Apparel Brands Must Focus on Raw Materials

Raw materials represent approximately 70% of the total cost of finished goods in the apparel industry. Brands need to effectively manage the quality of these materials to prevent wasting time and resources on subpar products that could damage their reputation.

Issues Arising from Poor-Quality Raw Materials

Addressing quality concerns early is crucial to prevent complications during production. Delaying action can lead to waste and increased costs. Common issues include:

• Fabric Failures: Poor-quality materials can lead to garments that do not perform as intended, especially in specialized clothing.

• Hazardous Substances: Some raw materials may contain harmful chemicals.

• Inconsistent Colors: Quality issues can result in unmarketable products.

• General Poor Quality: Substandard materials can render garments unsellable.

How Quality Assurance Services Can Help

A comprehensive raw materials quality assurance program enhances visibility and control throughout the supply chain. For instance, Absolute Veritas offers extensive coverage in areas such as:

• Fiber Production: Monitoring at farms and processing facilities.

• Raw Materials Processing: Ensuring quality at fabric mills.

• Value Addition Processes: Oversight during printing and coating.

• Warehousing and Shipping: Quality checks during storage and transit.

• Finished Goods Manufacturing: Final inspections before distribution.

Recommended Quality Assurance Services for Apparel Brands

Selecting the right quality assurance services is critical for aligning with product and supply chain needs. Common services include:

• Fabric Mill and Raw Material Audits: Evaluate the performance and handling of materials during production.

• Onsite Fabric Inspections: Assess fabric quality using the ASTM D5430 four-point system, customizable to the brand’s standards.

• Yarn Inspections: Ensure quality in yarns, checking for defects and consistency.

• Leather Inspections: Verify leather quality and compliance with market regulations.

• Color Audits: Utilize spectrophotometers for precise color consistency checks.

• Laboratory-Based Performance Testing: Conduct tests on dimensions, strength, color fastness, and environmental compliance.

• Supplier Training: Enhance the skills of mills through training programs, both onsite and online.

By prioritizing raw material quality through effective assurance programs, apparel brands can safeguard their reputation and ensure product excellence.

Enhanced Laboratory-Based Performance Testing for Apparel

Specialized laboratory services are invaluable for apparel brands, offering a range of testing beyond just color analysis. Key performance tests that can be conducted include:

• Dimensions and Appearance: Ensuring products meet size and aesthetic standards.

• Functional Performance: Assessing the practicality and usability of garments.

• Fabric Construction: Evaluating the quality and integrity of fabric materials.

• Strength Properties: Testing the durability and resilience of fabrics.

• Color Fastness: Measuring how well colors withstand fading and washing.

• Chemicals/Toxicology: Ensuring compliance with safety regulations and chemical standards.

• Fiber Composition: Analyzing the materials used in fabrics for quality assurance.

• Environmental Analysis (ZDHC Program): Assessing environmental impact and compliance with sustainability standards.