UV (Ultraviolet Protection Factor, UPF) Tests

The ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is used to determine the ultraviolet protection performance of sunscreen for fabric products. The UV protection factor value represents the ratio between the protection of the fabric material or product and the duration of sunburn with unprotected ultraviolet radiation. In this regard, it is possible to protect from ultraviolet rays with well-tested clothing.

Various studies show that there is a relationship between UV (ultraviolet) rays and skin cancers. In addition, long-term direct exposure to ultraviolet rays causes sunburn, premature aging of the skin and eye problems.

The primary source of ultraviolet rays is the sun. These rays pass through the atmosphere and land on people, causing various skin problems. Various protective products such as sunglasses, umbrellas and sunscreen have been invented to protect people from the damage of these rays. Following the advances in fabric production technology, sun protective clothing is becoming more and more common today.

Sun protective clothing is produced from fabrics with ultraviolet protection. This protection is provided physically (with weaving techniques and fabric structure) or chemically (with ultraviolet-blocking finishing applications). When evaluating how much ultraviolet rays are blocked by the fabric and how far they reach the user's skin, the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is taken as a basis. The higher this factor, the stronger the protection.

The ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) measurement program objectively reveals the performance of the protection as a result of numerical calculation of the ultraviolet protection performance of fabric products.

In general, UPF performance refers to:

• UPF 15-24 refers to 93,3-95,8 percent of UV rays
• UPF 25-39 refers to 96,0-97.4 percent of UV rays
• UPF 40-50 refers to 97,5-98,0 percent of UV rays

Here are a few standards based on this:

• AS/NZS 4399 Sun protective clothing - Evaluation and classification
• EN 13758-1 Textiles - Solar UV protection properties - Part 1: Test method for clothing fabrics
• AATCC Test Method 183 Permeability or inhibition of erythema-dominated ultraviolet radiation from fabrics
• GBT18830 Textile - Evaluation for solar ultraviolet radiation shielding properties

Our organization also provides UV (ultraviolet protection factor, UPF) testing services with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.