CEN ISO/TR 23383:2020 (identical to ISO/TR 23383:2020) is a technical report that defines smart (intelligent) textiles, proposes a clear categorisation of smart textile types, and outlines their development stage, application potential and standardization needs. Prepared by ISO/TC 38 in collaboration with CEN/TC 248, the document helps harmonize terminology and prioritise standards work across textiles, electronics and related sectors.
Key topics and technical scope
The report focuses on definitions and functional classification rather than prescriptive test methods. Major technical topics include:
- Definitions and terms for smart/intelligent textiles and related concepts.
- Categorisation of functional textile products, including:
- Electrically and thermally conductive textiles
- Optically conductive, fluorescent and phosphorescent textiles
- Textiles releasing substances or containing microcapsules
- Chromic, phase-change and shape-memory textiles
- Piezoelectric, electroluminescent, thermo‑electric and photovoltaic textiles
- Auxetic, dilating and shear‑thickening systems, super‑absorbent polymers
- Smart textile systems classification by functionality:
- Systems without energy/communication
- Systems with energy only (E‑NoCom)
- Systems with communication only (noE‑Com)
- Systems with both energy and communication (E‑Com)
- Standardization considerations such as verification of claimed performance, innocuousness (safety), durability, product information, and environmental aspects.
Practical applications
CEN ISO/TR 23383:2020 maps the potential uses of smart textiles and smart textile systems across sectors:
- Medical and healthcare: patient monitoring, therapeutic textiles
- Occupational safety and protective clothing: sensors, adaptive thermal management
- Consumer, leisure and fashion: wearable electronics, adaptive garments
- Automotive and seating: heated seats and comfort systems
- Geotextiles and industrial applications: functional behaviour under environmental loads
The report gives example system analyses (e.g., health monitoring garments, heating textiles with control) to show how textile and electronic performance interact.
Who should use this standard
- Textile manufacturers and R&D teams developing smart textile products
- Test laboratories and certification bodies assessing functionality and safety
- Standards developers and regulatory authorities aligning cross‑sector requirements
- Product designers, OEMs and specifiers in medical, protective clothing, automotive and fashion industries
Related standards and notes
- This technical report supersedes CEN/TR 16298:2011.
- It is a guidance document (ISO/TR) - intended to inform standards development rather than to mandate specific test methods.
- Developed jointly by ISO/TC 38 (Textiles) and CEN/TC 248 (Textiles and textile products).
Keywords: smart textiles, intelligent textiles, ISO/TR 23383, CEN ISO/TR 23383:2020, standardization, definitions, categorisation, smart textile systems.
