Overview
EN ISO 30023:2021 (ISO 30023:2021) defines a system of graphical qualification symbols for labelling workwear and protective clothing to indicate potential suitability for professional industrial laundering. Prepared by ISO/TC 38 in collaboration with CEN, this standard specifies symbol design and use when garments are supplied to professional launderers and references industrial laundering procedures in ISO 15797. It supersedes the 2012 edition and covers washing, bleaching, tunnel/cabinet finishing and tumble drying after washing.
Key Topics
- Symbol system
- A rectangular PRO box (white PRO on black background) denotes professional industrial laundering.
- Selected washing procedures are shown in reverse text squares; numbers correspond to specific ISO 15797 procedures.
- Scope of treatments covered
- Washing, bleaching (chlorine and oxygen types), tunnel finishing, and tumble drying after washing.
- Dry and wet cleaning treatments are excluded from this standard and are addressed in ISO 3175.
- Application rules
- Symbols are applied to articles in the form supplied to the professional launderer.
- Table mappings (in the standard) link symbol numbers to precise ISO 15797 process references to ensure consistent interpretation.
- Selection and testing
- Guidance is provided (including Annex A) on characteristics and available test methods for assigning appropriate symbols and indicating potential suitability, not guaranteed performance.
Applications and Who Uses It
EN ISO 30023:2021 is practical for:
- Garment manufacturers and textile brands - to mark workwear and PPE with clear industrial-laundering qualification symbols.
- Laundry service providers and textile rental companies - to interpret labels and select correct industrial processes (ISO 15797) for batches of workwear.
- Specifiers, procurement and compliance teams - to write laundering requirements into contracts and procurement specs.
- Label designers and technical documentation authors - to produce compliant care labels for industrial laundering chains.
Practical benefits include improved communication throughout the laundering chain, reduced risk of process mismatch, and clearer guidance for professional laundries handling workwear and protective clothing.
Related Standards
- ISO 15797 - Industrial washing and finishing procedures for testing workwear (primary process reference).
- ISO 3175 - Textile-care treatments in dry and wet cleaning (separate scope).
- ISO 3758 - Consumer textile care symbols (retail laundry labelling reference; standard notes visual distinction from professional symbols).
Keywords: EN ISO 30023:2021, ISO 30023:2021, workwear labelling, industrial laundering symbols, professional laundering, ISO 15797, tunnel finishing, tumble drying, protective clothing.
