SGS’s laboratory in Oignies, France, is the first independent laboratory in Europe to measure the softness of disposable hygiene products using specialist equipment that reproduces the perception of human touch.

Already recognized as an international benchmark for testing and measuring the performance of disposable hygiene products (baby changing, feminine hygiene and all other types of absorbent product), SGS’s laboratory in Oignies is extending its expertise by offering its customers – manufacturers, distributors and consumer associations – innovative technology to measure softness of a material or product.

Until now, the softness of a product was perceived only through the appreciation of panellists. A grade was awarded as a result of many manipulations of the sample. While very useful, this test, and its results, remained rather subjective.

“To complete this approach, we decided to invest in a new equipment that measures some parameters, including the level of sound fibres and material texture, to determine the softness perception of a product,” explains Vincent Bernus, SGS’s Director of Cosmetic, Personal Care & Household.

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