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Testing of textiles and plastics - from raw material to finished product - by an independent and accredited laboratory not only results in an important competitive advantage but is also proof of one's respect of consumer safety and well-being.

Measure what is measurable, and make measurable what is not so. Galileo Galilei

The BELAC EN ISO/IEC 17025 accredited Centexbel laboratories are known for their: 

  • vast testing offer including several tests that are unique in Europe
  • professional advice
  • thorough knowledge and follow-up of international standardisation and legislation
  • continuous updating and expansion of testing equipment, testing methods, and database of chemical compounds
  • accredited tests involving an annual severe audit of all our laboratories
  • conditions in conformity with the market

Specific conditions for testing activities

Department of Mobility & Public Works (Flanders/BE)

Certificate of designation as technical service

Abrasion Resistance of Protective Gloves

Abrasion-resistant gloves must be used as personal protective equipment (PPE) in any environment where workers face a significant exposure to abrasive material. EN 420 – Occupational Protective Gloves, General Requirements – defines the requirements for all protective gloves (except electrical and medical gloves) for glove construction, cleaning, comfort and efficiency, marking and information.

Accelerated aging tests

The aging of textiles, composites and plastics under the influence of light, temperature and humidity, causes changes in their appearance (decolouration, yellowing, loss of glossiness) and in their physical and chemical properties, often to the point of material failure.
Outdoor textiles, fibre-reinforced composites for wind turbines, cars, trains or airplanes parts and many consumer products demand high long life stability.

Accelerated weathering of plastics

Ultraviolet radiation, temperature, and moisture contribute to material degradation of products exposed to the elements. Accelerated weathering tests simulate these conditions using special environmental chambers and instruments in order to speed up the weathering process and to measure its effects on parts, components, products, and materials.

Antibacterial efficiency

Resistance to bacterial growth

Antifungal efficiency

Determination of the Antimycotic Activity - Agar Diffusion Plate Test

Barrier properties of textiles

Centexbel has the knowhow and equipment to assess the barrier properties of textiles, surgical gowns, masks and drapes, against microorganisms and blood.

Biological evaluation of medical devices

To assess the health and safety risks linked with the skin contact with medical devices, Centexbel examines their toxic effect on the skin (cytotoxicity, irritation, sensitivity,…) according to ISO 10993-5 “Biological evaluation of medical devices – part 5 - cytotoxicity : in vitro methods”

Burning behaviour of PPE

Assessments of the resistance of PPE to heat, fire, splashes of molten metal

Capillary rheometry

Capillary rheometers principle is based on measurement of the melt flow, by a pressure applied through the precisely dimensioned capillary.

Carpet classification

European standard EN 1307 specifies the requirements for classification, domestic or commercial, of all carpets and carpet tiles, excluding rugs and runners into use classes. EN 1307 is linked to EN ISO 10874:2012, which is a classification system for resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings. The classification is based on practical requirements for areas of use and intensity of use.

Lab addresses

Technologiepark 70 - BE 9052 Zwijnaarde

  • PPE
  • Carpets
  • Community masks
  • Other textiles for chemical, physical and burning behaviour test

Rue du Travail 5 - BE 4460 Grâce-Hollogne

  • Medical devices and masks
  • Materials for microbiological tests
  • Laser resistance, electrical conductivity, thermo-physiological comfort tests, etc

Etienne Sabbelaan 49 - BE 8500 Kortrijk

  • Plastics: virgin and recycled granulates, plastic products