Detergent Resistance

The performance of in service tableware is coming under increasing scrutiny as retailers are demanding increased quality of the goods which they purchase.

Trading standards officers are becoming more active when they receive complaints, prompting retailers to insist on better product quality.

A new European Standard has now been introduced drawing attention to the dishwasher resistance of tableware items.

CERAM is able to offer detergent resistance testing:

• In compliance with European Standards BS EN 12875-4: 2006 for domestic articles, and BS EN 12875-5: 2006 for catering articles.
• Both these tests are performed using a rapid immersion procedure.
• The standards stipulate that 4 identical articles should be supplied, with 3 being tested and the fourth being used as a standard.

The rapid immersion procedure, as its name applies, gives a quick result indicating dishwasher durability.  Previous research suggested that 32 hours immersion at 75°C is equivalent to approximately 500 dishwasher cycles. However, those comparisons were done using domestic detergents without enzymes, whereas most of today’s dishwasher detergents now contain enzymes. As BS EN 12875 stipulates the use of a standard detergent, which is non-biological, this figure could potentially be higher.

Beyond the standard tests, CERAM’s depth of experience in durability testing and test development gives us an excellent base from which to carry out development work utilizing the rapid immersion procedure and the cyclic immersion test BS EN 12875-1 to assess the compatibility of commercially available detergents with specific ware.

Benefits of Detergent Resistance Testing

• Provides the documentary evidence that many of the large retailers
  are now requiring to support durability claims
• Detergent Resistance Testing provides importers with an early
  indication as to the quality of the items being sourced
• Provides importers with confidence regarding the durability of their
  products

Related Resources:

• Testing & Analysis
• Approved Laboratories