How Heskins Tests Its Materials: Quality, Standards, and Proven Performance

At Heskins, producing high-performance materials involves far more than manufacturing tapes and films. It requires comprehensive testing, adherence to internationally recognised standards, and validation through real-world performance. Across our product range - including anti-slip tapes, floor marking solutions, reflective materials, and specialist films - every product undergoes detailed testing to ensure reliability, durability, and safety.

Testing is not simply an additional step in the process. It forms a fundamental part of how Heskins designs and develops products, helping ensure consistent quality that customers worldwide can depend on.

Why Testing Is Essential

Materials applied to floors, vehicles, machinery, or safety zones must perform reliably in demanding environments. Whether the objective is preventing slips, improving visibility, or maintaining performance in industrial conditions, Heskins products must meet strict performance expectations.

To achieve this level of reliability, we combine internal product testing, independent verification, and compliance with recognised international standards. This approach ensures our products not only meet customer requirements but also comply with industry regulations and safety guidelines.

In-House Testing Capabilities

A key strength of Heskins is our comprehensive in-house testing capability. Conducting tests within our own facilities allows us to continuously monitor product performance throughout development and production, ensuring consistency and reliability.

Adhesive and Backing Validation

Adhesive performance plays a critical role in the effectiveness of any tape-based product. Heskins carefully evaluates adhesive systems to ensure reliable bonding across a wide range of surfaces.

Our adhesive testing includes:

• Adhesive strength and bonding consistency
• Adhesive thickness and coating uniformity
• Peel adhesion testing
• Film backing strength and durability

These tests ensure that adhesive-backed materials perform reliably on surfaces such as concrete, metal, plastics, and textured substrates.

Slip Resistance and Durability Testing

For anti-slip products, maintaining reliable grip performance is essential for workplace safety. Heskins carries out several tests to evaluate friction levels and long-term durability under realistic operating conditions.

Testing includes:

• Pendulum Coefficient of Friction (CoF) testing
• Sutherland rub testing
• Shore hardness measurements
• Additional friction and abrasion evaluations

These procedures confirm that our anti-slip materials deliver dependable traction and maintain performance even in high-traffic environments. This makes them suitable for applications in factories, warehouses, transport hubs, marine settings, and public access areas.

Environmental and Chemical Resistance

Industrial environments expose materials to a wide range of external factors, including temperature changes, cleaning agents, solvents, and contaminants. To ensure long-term reliability, Heskins conducts chemical resistance testing to evaluate how materials perform when exposed to substances that may affect adhesion or surface durability.

Additional testing includes:

• Temperature performance evaluation
• Storage stability assessments
• Application methods and surface preparation validation

These tests help ensure that materials maintain their integrity and performance throughout their operational lifespan, even in demanding environments.

Certified Quality: International Standards

In addition to internal testing, Heskins operates under internationally recognised certifications that demonstrate our commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.

ISO 9001 - Quality Management System

Heskins is certified to ISO 9001, the globally recognised standard for quality management systems. This certification confirms that our processes consistently deliver products and services that meet both customer expectations and regulatory requirements, while also promoting continuous improvement.

ISO 14001 - Environmental Management System

Our ISO 14001 certification reflects our commitment to responsible manufacturing and environmental management. This framework helps us minimise environmental impact, comply with environmental regulations, and continually improve sustainability across our operations.

These certifications represent independent verification of the quality control systems and operational processes that support every Heskins product.

Third-Party Testing and Regulatory Certifications

Many Heskins products are also tested against or approved to recognised industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Examples include:

• UV resistance and luminance testing for long-term outdoor visibility
• Pendulum Coefficient of Friction approval for slip resistance performance
• NFPA 1901 certification for fire and emergency vehicle applications
• NFSI certification for anti-slip flooring products
• Reflective tape observation angle certification for enhanced visibility
• EPA registration certificates confirming environmental compliance
• Aviation burn testing to FAR 25.853 standards for aviation materials
• Adhesive performance testing reports
• Chemical resistance testing for harsh industrial environments

These independent certifications provide customers with additional assurance that Heskins materials meet globally recognised performance and safety standards.

Installation Testing and Application Guidance

Testing at Heskins extends beyond product manufacturing. We also evaluate installation procedures, surface preparation methods, storage conditions, and application protocols. This ensures that materials perform as expected once installed in real-world environments, whether on factory floors, vehicles, or infrastructure.

Trusted Worldwide

Heskins products are used globally in environments ranging from industrial production facilities and logistics centres to transport fleets, highways, and other safety-critical locations. This trust has been built through rigorous testing, certified quality systems, and a long-standing commitment to product performance.

When you choose Heskins, you are choosing materials engineered for reliability - supported by internationally recognised testing standards, strict quality control processes, and decades of manufacturing expertise.