AATCC 129 is a test method developed by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) to evaluate the colorfastness of textiles to ozone. It provides a controlled, repeatable process to determine how fabrics respond to exposure to ozone gas under specific conditions.
Ozone damage is particularly relevant in humid, warm environments, where ozone exposure tends to accelerate. Without adequate resistance, products such as apparel, upholstery, and outdoor textiles may fade or shift in color, especially in shades containing blue dyes, which are more susceptible.
In this test, fabric samples are placed inside a specialized ozone test chamber where they are subjected to a controlled concentration of ozone gas over a fixed duration—often through multiple exposure cycles. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Ozone Exposure
The samples are exposed to ozone in a sealed environment under specific temperature and humidity conditions. These environmental controls simulate real-world conditions that promote ozone fading.
Visual and Instrumental Evaluation
After the exposure, the color of the samples is evaluated using both visual grading (typically with the AATCC Gray Scale for Color Change) and instrumental measurements, such as spectrophotometry or Delta E (ΔE)calculations.
Grading Colorfastness
A minimum rating of 3.5 after two test cycles is commonly accepted by many manufacturers, although there are no fixed industry-wide pass/fail criteria. Each application may require a different performance threshold depending on product use and exposure risks.
Ozone-induced fading is more than just a cosmetic issue—it can signal chemical instability in dyes or poor material selection for certain climates. Ozone fading most often presents as a yellowish-red discoloration, typically caused by the degradation of blue color components.
Industries at risk include:
Apparel designed for tropical or humid regions
Outdoor fabrics such as awnings, umbrellas, and patio furniture
Automotive interiors exposed to sunlight and ozone buildup
Commercial upholstery in non-climate-controlled spaces
By conducting AATCC 129 testing, manufacturers and quality assurance professionals gain a clear understanding of a fabric’s ozone resistance, helping reduce warranty claims, improve customer satisfaction, and increase product reliability.
At Professional Testing Laboratory, we offer reliable and precise ozone resistance testing services using the AATCC 129 standard. Our ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab provides:
Controlled ozone chamber testing
Accurate Gray Scale evaluations
ΔE measurement and reporting
Test interpretation and consultation
Custom test setups for unique materials or applications
Whether you're developing high-performance fabrics or verifying quality in production runs, we help ensure your materials are ready for the environments they’ll face.
Ready to test your textiles for ozone fading? Trust Professional Testing Laboratory to deliver the data and insight you need to make confident product decisions.
📞 Contact us today to request AATCC 129 testing or speak with one of our textile testing specialists.