Eurofins | BLC fully accredited to provide Allergy Testing in line with AnchorCert Protect

Eurofins | BLC, a provider of risk management solutions for the leather and synthetic material supply chains, are now fully licensed to carry out AnchorCert Protect testing.

Developed by a research and development team at the Birmingham Assay Office, AnchorCert Protect identifies and measures a suite of 16 metallic elements that may cause Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD), commonly known as Skin Allergy. In addition, it can also offer a further level of compliance by testing for Lead and Cadmium.

ACD occurs when a substance has repeated and prolonged contact to the skin and, in turn, triggers an allergic response. This can often result in itchy or painful skin irritation, skin redness, inflammation, and severe rashes, sometimes leaving permanent scarring. If an inflammation of the skin is caused by its exposure to metal allergens then it is termed as Metal Induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Over 18% of the EU population have Metal Induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis.

The Birmingham Assay Office were commissioned by a leading UK high-street retailer to create the AnchorCert Protect testing methodology, after extensive customer research the high-street retailer discovered that more than 1 in 4 of their customers avoided wearing their jewellery for fear of an allergic reaction.

Compliance with AnchorCert Protect offers brands and retailers a range of benefits including increased sales, reduced returns and increased customer loyalty.

Eurofins | BLC are now fully licensed to carry out the AnchorCert Protect test. The software application that has been developed allows manufacturers and retailers to send their items to either the AnchorCert Analytical Laboratory in Birmingham, or to other laboratories worldwide accredited to ISO/IEC 17025.

Georgina Mawer, Head of Technical, from Eurofins | BLC said: “We are delighted to be awarded the AnchorCert Protect licence and are now able to offer testing for our customers. At Eurofins | BLC we are always looking at how we can support and add value to retailers/manufactures/brands with their testing requirements, AnchorCert Protect allows us to do this.”

For many brands and retailers, being able to have their products tested at the source of manufacture is vital. The licence model ensures that the brands and retailers can continue to use AnchorCert Protect whilst maintaining their existing supplier relationships and maintain lead time efficiency.

To find out more about AnchorCert Protect contact Michael Goode, ACP Product manager email: Michael.Goode@theassayoffice.co.uk

Find out more about Eurofins | BLC by contacting Georgina Mawer, Head of Technical, email: Georgina@blcleathertech.com