Upcycled Material

[Former_Member]

I've been looking everywhere for something that exempts third party testing for textiles that are upcycled and have yet to find it.

I heard rumor that upcycled textiles are exempt but I haven't found proof or guidelines as to what is defined can used and called upcycled.

Can anyone help me out with this. Am I totally off base thinking recycled/upcycled textiles are exempt?

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

Can you be more specific on exactly the fiber content of your upcycled textiles. If you are using vintage/recycled clothing then the fiber content/care labels should be in them. How old are these textils and what country do they come from? Are they hand printed or commercially printed? Have any additives been added, eg. permanent press?

Generally speaking textiles are exempt from testing, but you need to know the origin of your textiles.

[Former_Member]

Hi Beverly,

The item is second hand purchased at a yard sale and I know nothing about the fiber content of it (no tag) All I know is its used, its flannel and it has a picture on it that can be scraped off.

So, would it need to be tested for 16 CFR Part 1610, Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles and also lead in paint (picture comes off with scraping)...or is it exempt because it's "upcycled"?

I would think testing is still required because how do I know the manufacturer met the requirements of whatever was applicable at the time the product was sold. But most of the WAHM's I've talked to have this understanding that upcycled textiles are exempt and are somehow, i guess "system proven". But I have yet to find anything in the regulations that allows for this.

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

If the picture can be scraped off, then yes, you should have it tested for lead in paint. It's probably cotton flannel, and If you are just going to use it for wipes and the like, it's not really clothing, so I think you are okay not having it not tested for 1610.

There is no exemption for upcycled, used, recycled or whatever. Some of the older stuff might not meet current standards or practices. If fact, many of the old toys, cribs and other baby items should not be sold, but destroyed.

[Former_Member]

Thanks Beverly.

I was thinking the same thing. I asked the other group where in the regulation allowed for "upcycle" exemptions and no one has been able to provide anything legit. I'll stick with following the regulations I've seen and ignore this "upcycle exempt" theory.