Textile Fibers - Chapter 2

     Terminology:
     Natural fibers  - any fibers that exist as such in the natural state

     Common names - the names given to natural fiber (such as cotton, flax, ramie, sisal, wool,
     Silk, hemp

     Manufactured fibers - fibers derived from a process of manufacture from any substance which, at any point in the
     manufacturing process, is not a fiber.

     Generic fiber names - names given by the Federal Trade Commission for fibers of a particular chemical structure (ex.
     polyester, spandex).

     In order for a new generic fiber to be named
     “the fiber must have a chemical composition ‘radically different’ from other fibers or that chemical composition must give
     it significantly different physical properties; the fiber must currently be, or soon be, in active commercial use; and the
     granting of the generic name must be of importance to the consuming public ‘at large’ rather than to a small group of
     knowledgeable professionals.”

     Trademark names - the names given by  manufacturers for their versions of a particular  fiber (ex. Dacron polyester,
     Lycra spandex, Anso nylon) .  Trademark names are always in capital letters.

Textile Labeling is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.

     Textile Fiber Product Identification Act (TFPIA) - effective March 1960

     Conditions of TFPIA -
     1.  All textile products have a label attaches that lists fibers from which they are made with the exception of upholstery
     stuffing, outer coverings of furniture, mattresses, linings, interlinings, stiffenings or structural paddings; sewing and
     handicraft threads, bandages an surgical dressing.

     2.  Generic fiber names must be listed in the order in of percentage of fiber by weight. Fiber quantities of 5% or less may be listed as "other" unless the fiber serves a specific purpose.
         There is a tolerance of 3% of the listed weight.

     3.  The name or registered trademark or registered number must appear on the label.

     4.  The country of origin must be listed
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      Wool Products Labeling Act
     Same requirements as the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act AND:
     2.  Wools other than sheep's wool must be labeled as such
     3.  Recycled wool must be identified

  Merino sheep


Fur Products Labeling Act
Became effective in 1951.
Fur product must have true English name of the fur-bearing animal from which it comes
Must have country of origin
Fur from dogs and cats cannot be used

Permanent Care Labeling Rule
Became effective in 1985
Must state reasonable instructions about regular care or provide warnings if cannot be cleaned without harm.
Must be permanently legibel and permanently attached.
Must be easily seen or found by consumer.

Trade Associations - promote the fibers and fabrics made from them through advertising, educational materials, web sites, public relations campaigns
Some examples are