EDANA Quality Standards for Nonwovens

The European Disposables and Nonwovens Association (EDANA) is a leading European trade association that develops and promotes standards and testing guidelines for the nonwovens and related industries. In partnership with the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), EDANA co-publishes international testing standards through NWSP to support quality and consistency across the global nonwovens sector.

What Is EDANA 30.4?

EDANA 30.4 is a testing standard that prescribes the methodology for determining the thickness of nonwoven fabrics. Thickness measurements must be precise and require instrumentation that can measure sheet-like substrates at low pressures.

EDANA quality standards are legacy methods that have now been consolidated into the Nonwovens Standard Procedures (NWSP), a comprehensive and continuously updated set of international test methods co-published by EDANA and INDA. NWSP 120.1.R0 and 120.6.R0 are the new standards for nonwoven fabric thickness.  

Key Benefits of Testing to Meet EDANA 30.4

EDANA 30.4 is integral to thickness testing. The thickness of a material is a critical datapoint for evaluating the structure, performance and physical properties of nonwoven materials. Thickness testing is also an inspection method used to qualify and categorize nonwoven fabrics and other materials.

This standard is essential for manufacturers, researchers and quality assurance professionals seeking to ensure product compliance and performance. The EDANA 30.4 testing method is also used for acceptance testing for commercial shipments of nonwovens.

EDANA 30.4 Test Method

The EDANA 30.4 quality standard recommends the use of a micrometer. This instrument is designed to measure a nonwoven material’s length, width, depth and thickness. Micrometers provide accurate measurements within 0.001 mm to 0.013 mm (0.00004 in to 0.0005 in), depending on the specific model used.

The standard test procedure involves using a weighted lever to apply pressure to the specimen. EDANA 30.4 specifies testing parameters, such as the specific pressure, dwell time, measurement speed, return speed and opening distance. The micrometer will take these factors into account to calculate the thickness measurement.

Material Testing Equipment to Meet the EDANA 30.4 Quality Standard

Thwing-Albert offers testing instruments designed to meet the requirements of EDANA 30.4, a legacy standard developed by EDANA. This method outlines procedures for measuring the thickness of nonwoven materials, which is a key parameter in product performance and quality control. Although EDANA has transitioned many of its legacy methods into the NWSP, EDANA 30.4 is still referenced by some manufacturers and labs for consistent thickness measurement standards. 

Our recommended instrument for nonwovens testing, as per EDANA 30.4, is the ProGage Touch Thickness Tester. Designed for precision, this micrometer automatically measures the precise thickness of sheeted materials with high repeatability and minimal operator influence. It meets the requirements of EDANA 30.4 as well as the updated NWSP 120.1.R0 and 120.6.R0 methods.

Request a Quote for Nonwovens Testing Instruments

Our equipment is engineered for accuracy, repeatability and ease of use, helping manufacturers and researchers ensure compliance and maintain high quality standards. For a comprehensive list of nonwovens testing, please visit the NWSP directory.

Looking to comply with EDANA 30.4? Request a quote or contact our team for expert guidance on the best testing solution for your application.