Key Certifications for Fiber Insole Boards

Fiber Insole Boards are a critical material that determines the durability and wearing comfort of footwear.

More than just structural reinforcement, they are high-performance materials that must consider product safety and environmental impact.

To meet the standards of global brands, it is highly recommended that fiber insole boards comply with various quality and environmental certifications.

While not all certifications are mandatory, they serve as crucial indicators of a company’s credibility and competitiveness. This post outlines the key certifications relevant to fiber insole boards.

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1. ISO Quality and Environmental Management Certifications

ISO certifications are granted by the International Organization for Standardization to verify whether a company's products and systems meet specific international standards.

Most fiber insole board manufacturers are certified under ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System).

These certifications demonstrate consistent quality control and environmental management throughout the production process.

They also serve as essential criteria for meeting the supply chain requirements of major global footwear brands and play a key role in enhancing product competitiveness in the international market.

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2. GRS (Global Recycled Standard) Certification

The GRS certification is an internationally recognized standard for products made with recycled materials.

It includes strict requirements on recycled content, the absence of hazardous chemicals, and adherence to social responsibility.

GRS-certified fiber insole boards are increasingly favored by environmentally conscious brands. The certification officially verifies the traceability of recycled inputs and the manufacturer's environmental accountability.

Some manufacturers apply the highest-grade recycled materials to their entire product range and maintain GRS certification.

Additionally, GRS-certified suppliers can issue Transaction Certificates (TC) to buyers, allowing full traceability of recycled materials used in the products.

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3. REACH Compliance

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) is an EU regulation that governs the use of chemical substances.

As fiber insole boards form part of finished footwear, they must comply with chemical safety standards. REACH requires that materials used in shoes must not contain SVHCs (Substances of Very High Concern) such as lead, cadmium, and formaldehyde. To meet these standards, manufacturers use non-toxic adhesives and technologies that suppress formaldehyde emissions.

Some insole boards apply formaldehyde-free bonding methods to comply with stringent European and U.S. regulations.

Additionally, they manage their materials to meet other standards like California’s Proposition 65, which restricts the use of carcinogenic and reproductive toxic substances.

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4.SATRA Certification

SATRA certification is issued by SATRA, a UK-based footwear research and testing organization.

It evaluates the physical performance of fiber insole boards, including flex resistance, peel strength, and hardness.

Some manufacturers have also obtained SATRA Laboratory Accreditation, enhancing their technical reliability and global recognition.

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Fiber insole boards are evolving into high-reliability materials that meet international standards.

Certifications such as ISO, GRS, REACH, and SATRA comprehensively validate the quality, environmental compliance, and safety of these materials, and have become essential for doing business with global clients.

DK FIBER supplies high-quality polyester staple fibers used in the production of fiber insole boards.Moreover, DK FIBER offers GRS-certified polyester fibers, helping clients meet both performance and sustainability goals.