C&A Mould Prevention QAD / V 3.

0
Approval date: 28/03/09
Effective date: 01/04/2019
Effective until further notice

C&A MOULD PREVENTION

Operational Procedures

Approval date: 28/03/2019

Effective date: 01/04/2019

Effective until further notice

This new version of the SOP supersedes any previous C&A Mould SOPs.

1
C&A PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:
This SOP contains proprietary and confidential information intended only for the use by C&A and its authorized suppliers and sub-contractors. The recipient of this
SOP shall not disclose any information contained herein to any person other than their employees who may need to use the information to comply with this SOP.
 C&A Mould Prevention QAD / V 3.0
Approval date: 28/03/2019
Effective date: 01/04/2019
Effective until further notice

Document Owner: Ulrike Schoepfel, Head of Global Quality Assurance and Development (QAD)
Approved by: Ulrike Schoepfel, Head of Global Quality Assurance and Development (QAD)

Authors:
Oliver Muth, Chemical and REACH Compliance Manager

Affected Parties and Departments:

Quality Assurance and Development (QAD)
Logistics/ Forwarders
Sourcing
Suppliers

PURPOSE

The objective of this SOP is to communicate required preventive measures along the supply chain to C&A suppliers and
logistic service providers in order to assure that C&A deliveries are free from any damage of mould upon their arrival to
final destination.

SCOPE

Applicable for C&A suppliers and logistics service providers

RESPONSIBILITIES

 Suppliers / Production Units (PUs) are responsible to deliver dry goods free of mould.
o All PU’s must be equipped with an Aqua Boy moisture meter to control the humidity level of the goods
 Final Inspection / final self-inspection (FSI) team needs to measure the garment moisture level during final
inspection
 Mould issues are treated equally to any other quality or safety issue and are handled by QAD Divisional
Technologists (Div Techs)

2
C&A PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:
This SOP contains proprietary and confidential information intended only for the use by C&A and its authorized suppliers and sub-contractors. The recipient of
this SOP shall not disclose any information contained herein to any person other than their employees who may need to use the information to comply with this
SOP.
C&A Mould Prevention QAD / V 3.0
Approval date: 28/03/2019
Effective date: 01/04/2019
Effective until further notice

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abbreviations
2. Introduction
3. Materials Mainly Predesignated for Mould Growth
4. High Risk Climate for Mould Growth
5. Moisture Measurement
6. Maximum C&A Moisture Index Level for Aqua Boy Textile Moisture Meter TM I
7. Calculation of the Moisture Index Level for Fibre Blends
8. Moisture Measurement of Finished Goods in the Factory
9. Moisture Measurement in the Final Inspection
10. Factory Mould Prevention Management – Good Housekeeping
11. Pre-Production Meetings (PPM)
12. Use of Desiccants for Packing of Finished Goods
13. Mould Issues

3
C&A PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:
This SOP contains proprietary and confidential information intended only for the use by C&A and its authorized suppliers and sub-contractors. The recipient of
this SOP shall not disclose any information contained herein to any person other than their employees who may need to use the information to comply with this
SOP.
C&A Mould Prevention QAD / V 3.0
Approval date: 28/03/2019
Effective date: 01/04/2019
Effective until further notice

1. Abbreviations

DC Distribution Center RTS Return to Supplier

FIFO First In First Out SOP Standard Operating Procedure
FSI Final Self Inspection DivTech Divisional Technologists

2. Introduction

Many materials are vulnerable for mould growth especially in the wet season period. During warehousing or
transportation products and packaging can absorb moisture resulting in damage such as mould growth, bad odour
and crushed packaging.

The objective of this SOP is to communicate required preventive measures along the supply chain to C&A suppliers
and logistic service providers in order to assure that C&A deliveries are free from any damage of mould upon their
arrival to final destination.

The SOP describes how to measure the moisture level of merchandise prior to loading as well as to proper assess
whether further drying of the goods is necessary to achieve the defined safe moisture level.

3. Materials Mainly Predesignated for Mould Growth

Besides moisture, mould needs nutrients to grow. Mould can grow on virtually any organic material as long as
moisture and oxygen are present.

Products are more liable to generate mould, if they contain one or more of the listed materials.
 Paper
 Wood
 Straw
 Jute
 Down and feathers
 Leather
 Natural fibres (cotton, viscose, linen, wool, silk, etc.)
 Plant materials
 Organic chemical auxiliaries e.g. finishing oils, grease, adhesives, softeners, prints, etc.
 Any material contaminated with foodstuff

4. High Risk Climate for Mould Growth

Countries, which have tropical climate and/or wet season with monthly average of 28 ºC (degree centigrade) and a
relative humidity (RH) of 70%, have an increased risk for mould growth.

4
C&A PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:
This SOP contains proprietary and confidential information intended only for the use by C&A and its authorized suppliers and sub-contractors. The recipient of
this SOP shall not disclose any information contained herein to any person other than their employees who may need to use the information to comply with this
SOP.
C&A Mould Prevention QAD / V 3.0
Approval date: 28/03/2019
Effective date: 01/04/2019
Effective until further notice

The following table highlights the wet season per country

Country Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Month
Bangladesh 7
Pakistan 2
China 7
Vietnam 7
Myanmar 7
Thailand 6
Cambodia 12
Indonesia 12
India 5
Sri Lanka 12
Korea 4
Brazil 6
Mexico 4
Morocco 7
Ethiopia 7
Wet season period is marked in red

5. Moisture Measurement

C&A requests to use a calibrated Aqua Boy Moisture Meter TEM1 with a suitable electrode for measuring moisture in
textiles.

5
C&A PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:
This SOP contains proprietary and confidential information intended only for the use by C&A and its authorized suppliers and sub-contractors. The recipient of
this SOP shall not disclose any information contained herein to any person other than their employees who may need to use the information to comply with this
SOP.
C&A Mould Prevention QAD / V 3.0
Approval date: 28/03/2019
Effective date: 01/04/2019
Effective until further notice

General Instrument handling:

 To measure apparel products, connect the moisture meter with a ‘’Universal Measuring Cable 200’’ to ‘’Universal
Electrode Holder 204’’ plus a surface electrode and bring it into firm contact with the product to be measured. Press
the white button and read the result directly on the display. Release the white button to finish the operation.

Choice of the right electrode:

 Electrode 213 is a sensor with flat head, which is used for general fabrics.
 Electrode 205 is a sensor with short needles, which can be used for waddings materials.

Please note, if the wrong sensor is used, the consistency of the test result might be various. For apparel, the flat head
electrode 213 should be used.

Sensor electrode 213

Calibration:

 The moisture meter needs to be checked once per year to ensure, that the calibration and accuracy of the
instrument is still correct.

Measurement Instructions:

 The Aqua boy moisture meter is not applicable for polyurethane (PU) coatings. If the fabric is coated, the non-
coated side should be checked. If the coat is on the surface of the shell and it is fully lined, the lining should be
checked.
 For padded jackets, normally shell moisture should be checked. However, at least one out of 3 garments should
be tested on the lining as well. If you want to check the wadding, the sensor with short needles (205) should be
used.
 It might be difficult to get correct test results for imitation suede. In such a case, the lining should be checked, if
applicable.

6
C&A PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:
This SOP contains proprietary and confidential information intended only for the use by C&A and its authorized suppliers and sub-contractors. The recipient of
this SOP shall not disclose any information contained herein to any person other than their employees who may need to use the information to comply with this
SOP.
C&A Mould Prevention QAD / V 3.0
Approval date: 28/03/2019
Effective date: 01/04/2019
Effective until further notice

6. Maximum C&A Moisture Index Level for Aqua Boy Textile Moisture Meter TM I

MATERIAL/FIBRE MAXIMUM MOISTURE INDEX

(100%) LEVEL (100% Scale)
Cotton 67
Wool 24
Linen 77
Silk 45
Viscose 45
Polyamide / Nylon 67
Acetate 60
Acrylic 40
Polyester 39
Artificial Leather (PU) 30
Real Leather 50
EVA/PEVA 30
Paper /Straw 40-50
Carton box 65

7. Calculation of the Moisture Index Level for Fibre Blends

To identify the moisture limit of fibre blends, the following formula of calculation should be applied:

ML(Fibre A) = Moisture Limit of Fibre A (100% scale)

ML(Fibre B) = Moisture Limit of Fibre B (100% scale)
Example: Fibre Blend 60% Cotton (CO) / 40% Polyester (PES)

8. Moisture Measurement of Finished Goods in the Factory

 All PU’s must be equipped with an Aqua Boy moisture meter (see chapter V. moisture measurement).
 It is recommended that PU’s use a proper conditioned dry room.
 All finished goods must be properly dried in a humidity controlled dry room until the goods reach the maximum
allowed moisture level (see moisture index table above) and before they are packed in a controlled environment
within 2 hours of leaving the dry room.
 Drying times are relative to the material composition, product type and moisture content of the products before
entering the dry room.
 Moisture has to be measured always at different areas of the product (e.g. main material, thicker elements like
collar/front placket on shirts, waistband on pants, etc.) to ensure, that the moisture index level does not exceed
the allowed limit value.

7
C&A PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:
This SOP contains proprietary and confidential information intended only for the use by C&A and its authorized suppliers and sub-contractors. The recipient of
this SOP shall not disclose any information contained herein to any person other than their employees who may need to use the information to comply with this
SOP.
C&A Mould Prevention QAD / V 3.0
Approval date: 28/03/2019
Effective date: 01/04/2019
Effective until further notice

9. Moisture Measurement in the Final Inspection

Garment moisture must be measured in the same environment where they have been taken from and immediately
after opening the shipping carton.

 Minimum of 3 randomly selected cartons within the final self-inspection (FSI ) sample pick have to be checked.
 In each carton, top middle and bottom readings (total 9 readings) will be taken and recorded in the inspection
report.
 During the Wet Season as listed in the Wet Season Table above, minimum of 6 randomly selected cartons must
be checked (total 18 readings).

In case a single product is found above the required moisture index level during final inspection or self-inspection …
 the shipment will be rejected.
 the supplier has to unpack the finished goods and to dry them properly until the required moisture index level is
reached before repacking them for shipment.
 repacked goods have to follow the same random selection of cartons and moisture level check

10. Factory Mould Prevention Management – Good Housekeeping

Responsibility:

 Each PU has to appoint a person in charge of mould prevention

Audits / Staff training:

 To ensure the PU is in the best possible condition at all times and to raise awareness of best practise for mould
prevention, it is recommended that the PU undertakes an annual Mould Prevention Audit.
 Audits may be carried out by our nominated 3rd Party suppliers.
 Suppliers and Key staff in the PU must attend regularly Mould Prevention Seminars.
 Production of C&A orders may only commence once corrective actions have been fully implemented in
accordance to the PU Mould Audit recommendations.

Cleanliness:

 The production unit must be dry, clean and no signs of mould should be visible
 Staff must not be allowed to take their food to production line.
 Packing line workers should wear clean uniforms or aprons.
 Workers using chemicals and cleaning agents must be fully trained in the use of each product.
 Cleaning agents or chemical treatments used for mould prevention and/or to treat products or packaging must
not visually contaminate, cause changes in colour or functionality of the finished products.
 If a mould agent is added to the glue or latex before the lamination process, the anti-mould agent MUST comply
with related EU regulatory requirements e.g. Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) see ANNEX IV

Ventilation:

 Sufficient ventilation is important. The factory including storage rooms, packaging areas, finishing areas and
warehouse should use suitable (capable) industrial sized dehumidifiers and fans for good air circulation and
ventilation to maintain the temperature and the relative humidity of max. 60%.
 All kind of equipment and especially dehumidifiers, dryers and extractors must be well maintained and cleaned
on regular basis in order to provide full efficiency.

8
C&A PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:
This SOP contains proprietary and confidential information intended only for the use by C&A and its authorized suppliers and sub-contractors. The recipient of
this SOP shall not disclose any information contained herein to any person other than their employees who may need to use the information to comply with this
SOP.
C&A Mould Prevention QAD / V 3.0
Approval date: 28/03/2019
Effective date: 01/04/2019
Effective until further notice

Production Area:

 Production area must be kept dry and clean.

 Production and packaging area floors, conveyors & packing surfaces should be cleaned daily.
 After cleaning with water, production areas should be wiped dry.
 Ensure building roofs and walls are weatherproofed and do not leak water in to the work areas during the rainy
season.
 Before production starts, ensure material and components are dry and clean.

Packaging and Finishing Area:

 Check moisture content of products and cartons and keep daily record.
 Do not pack wet and warm merchandise (directly after ironing or tumble drying). Allow sufficient time for goods
to “cool” before packing
 All PU’s must have a conditioned dry room big enough to provide sufficient storage space for the PU’s daily
output.
 Humidity and temperature have to be controlled in the dry room by industrial dehumidifiers and monitored by
hydrometers and temperature gauges.
 Humidity and temperature levels in the dry room must be checked and recorded at the beginning and end of
each working day.
 Conditioned dry rooms must be completely sealed to ensure the atmosphere is controlled at all times e.g. No
windows, restricted air lock access, preferably no external walls etc.
 The packing area must also be conditioned to avoid the finished garments becoming damp again.
 It is recommended that a relative humidity of below 50% and temperature of 45 degrees is maintained in the
conditioned dry room at all times.
 Garments must be sufficiently spaced apart to ensure adequate air circulation throughout each garment.
 Suitable racking or purpose built trollies must be used for storing garments during the drying process.
 Individually hanging the garments is the ideal method for drying.
 Folded garments, such as formal Shirts, must be individually placed on purpose built racks with a mesh base to
ensure good air circulation.
 Garments must not be stacked on top of each other, tied in bundles or left in packing boxes.
 Packing is recommended within 2 hours of leaving the dry room and in an area with a relative humidity of below
60%.

Storage / warehouse:

 Storage environment must be kept dry and clean.

 Storage areas, including walls, floors, ceilings, fans, vents, window and equipment (exterior and interior) should
be sanitized and cleaned regularly with bleached water
 Before storage, moisture should be checked and recorded on all incoming materials, components and cartons.
Wet or damaged cartons must not be used.
 Stored materials, components, finished goods and cartons must be placed on pallets/shelves and not directly on
floor (minimum 12 cm above floor).
 Metal and/or plastic pallets should be used. Wooden pallets must not be used.
 Stored materials (components, finished goods, cartons, etc.) must not be placed in a minimum distance of 1.5
meters next to walls, windows and doors
 All stored materials must be covered and sealed against dust exposure.
 Areas where trucks are unloaded must be covered to avoid any exposure to rain.
 All storage activities are adhered to principles of First In First Out (FIFO).

9
C&A PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:
This SOP contains proprietary and confidential information intended only for the use by C&A and its authorized suppliers and sub-contractors. The recipient of
this SOP shall not disclose any information contained herein to any person other than their employees who may need to use the information to comply with this
SOP.
C&A Mould Prevention QAD / V 3.0
Approval date: 28/03/2019
Effective date: 01/04/2019
Effective until further notice

 Raw materials inventory need to be consumed and replenished timely to ensure that goods do not remain in
storage for extended periods.
 Old stock materials and actual production materials should be segregated for storage, including semi finished
and finished goods.
 During Wet Season all packed goods, which are not shipped out within 7 days should be retested to ensure
shipping condition of the order still comply with our requirements. Retest details should be recorded.

11. Pre-Production Meetings (PPM)

During the PPM the management team must complete a full mould risk assessment for each product type.
 Risk materials, trims and accessories must be identified and raised as concern for finishing.
 Risk process must be flagged. E.g. Garment Washing, Drying, Ironing

12. Use of Desiccants for Packing of Finished Goods

 The usage of desiccants should be not necessary, if the preventive measures are observed as described in this
SOP. This includes the major requirement, that all finished goods must be properly dried until the goods reach
the maximum allowed moisture level (see C&A moisture index level).
 Please note, that the usage of desiccants cannot provide any guarantee to eliminate the risk of mould growth
during transport. Desiccants can only lower the risk to some degree, depending on the amount of moisture in the
goods and the amount of desiccant added.
 C&A does not permit the usage of the desiccant silica gel, whereas the usage of the desiccant Calcium chloride is
allowed.
 Information about the usage/application procedure of desiccants including the right dosage and placing need to
be obtained from the desiccant vendor.

13. Mould Issues

Any case of mould found on finished goods must result in an escalation of due diligence, retraining and tighter
controls to ensure no further shipment is made with suspect goods.

Pre Shipment Issues:

In case mould is detected during random check, it needs to be ensured that mould is removed prior to shipment.
 Professional re-processing of the mouldy goods is needed (3rd party support)
 Evidence is needed that the mould was successfully treated / removed (mould test report)
 After successful re-processing and before the goods are packed for shipment, they need to be dried until the
moisture meter confirms, that the maximal allowed (required) moisture index level is reached (see table VI).

Post Shipment Issues:

In case mould is detected (visible/odour) in Europe during random checks or when unpacking the cartons the
following steps need to be regarded:
 Mould issues are treated equally to any other quality or safety issue and are handled by the Div Techs.
 Div Techs need to be informed about any mould issue.

10
C&A PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:
This SOP contains proprietary and confidential information intended only for the use by C&A and its authorized suppliers and sub-contractors. The recipient of
this SOP shall not disclose any information contained herein to any person other than their employees who may need to use the information to comply with this
SOP.