Lead-free

Scope of definition and labeling

Lead-free is a label indicating consideration of lead content for products including buttons, decorative parts, coatings, pigments, and metal parts. However, the term lead-free alone does not tell you the target part, test method, or the standard used to judge content.

Lead may be involved not only in the material itself, but also in coloring and surface finishing. For that reason, when selecting it, confirm whether the label applies to the entire finished product or only to a specific part such as resin or pearl-like material.

• List the target part and judgment criteria in the specification sheet.
• As needed, confirm whether a test report or certificate of conformity is available.
• Check in advance the regulations and standards required by the customer or export destination.

Relationship with material and button structure

Lead-free does not indicate a material name or button structure. It is a label used for buttons made from a variety of materials, such as polyester resin, urea resin, metal, glass, and pearl-like materials.

It can apply to both exposed-hole buttons such as two-hole, four-hole, and cat-eye types, and shank buttons such as ring shank and tunnel shank types. The hole or shank shape, strength, and sewing method are selected separately from the lead-free label.

• For exposed-hole buttons, confirm the number of holes, hole diameter, and thickness.
• For shank buttons, confirm the shank height, attachment strength, and spacing from the textile.
• For metallic finishes, confirm not only the base material but also any plating or coating.

How to choose size and applications

Button sizes are generally expressed in lignes or mm. The lead-free label does not indicate size, so separate decisions are made for size, thickness, weight, and compatibility with the buttonhole according to the application, such as front closure, cuff, or pocket.

It is considered for items such as shirts, blouses, jackets, coats, and kids' clothing where lead-free consideration may be required. However, the necessary conditions vary depending on the product's target age group, sales region, and applications.

• Check whether the listed dimensions are in lignes or mm.
• For samples, confirm textile thickness, buttonhole length, and ease of opening and closing.
• Even with the same outside diameter, weight and durability differ depending on the material and structure.

Handling and quality checks

Resistance to washing, dry cleaning, and ironing cannot be determined from being lead-free. For resin buttons, watch for heat deformation and discoloration; for glass or hard materials, watch for chipping or cracking from impact; and for metal, watch for changes in surface finish.

In sewing, choose the thread and attachment method according to the textile, and for exposed-hole buttons, secure the button shank wrapping, while for shank buttons, ensure an appropriate thread shank length. Before mass production, it is important to carry out washing and dry-cleaning tests in line with the product specifications.

• When pressing directly with an iron, confirm the temperature and whether a pressing cloth may be used.
• When the product will be washed, check for cracking, chipping, discoloration, and plating peel-off.
• For hard buttons, also check for damage from impact during transport or wear.

Difference from similar labels

Lead-free is a label related to lead, whereas non-fluorescent concerns different substances. Non-fluorescent is a label indicating that fluorescent whitening agents and similar substances are not used, and it does not mean the same as lead-free.

Nickel-free is another label sometimes used for considerations such as metal allergies. Even if something is lead-free, it is not necessarily nickel-free, and vice versa, so the required conditions must be checked individually.

Frequently asked questions