Testing · Training · Inspection · Certifi cation · Engineering · Research

SHOES

SURE-FOOTEDIN TODAY`S MARKETS.

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IN TIMES LIKE THESE...

...YOU CAN TRUST IN OUR COMPETENCE.

Global sourcing, constantly increasing quality demands on the part of your cus-

tomers, pressure to rationalise, the quest for new model highlights, and ever-more

stringent statutory provisions constitute a huge challenge to you as footwear manu-

facturer, retailer, or importer. Today’s products and materials show an enormous

degree of variety – as do the possible diffi culties and issues arising.

Our customers have no reason to be worried by these developments; they

benefi t from our wealth of expertise and experience in product testing, certi-

fi cation, further education, individual inspection services, and research in all

matters relating to footwear and footwear manufacture – all from a single

source and tailored to meet your needs.

The test and research institutes of the PFI Group are globally recognised spe-

cialists for product testing and development of footwear and footwear materi-

als. PFI’s experienced scientists, engineers, and technicians have been devoting

their efforts to the testing and constant improvement of footwear quality for

over 50 years. No other institute active in this area can offer a comparable level

of competence.

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QUALITY INSPECTION

TESTING FOR HARMFUL SUBSTANCES

...YOU CAN TRUST IN OUR COMPETENCE.

GUARANTEEING SUREFOOTEDNESS.

THE RIGHT CHEMISTRY.

At fi rst glance it is often impossible to recognise whether a shoe will meet the

stringent demands of daily wear or whether a given material is at all suitable

for footwear production. Assessment of quality and comfort and durability

testing are therefore essential at an early stage.

The best known quality tests include:

Visual assessment of quality of workmanship

Colour fastness testing of coloured lining materials

Abrasion resistance of lining materials

Flex endurance of upper materials

Adhesion of outsoles

Fatigue bending resistance of outsoles

Abrasion resistance of outsoles

Quality of heel attachment in ladies’ fashion shoes

Waterproofi ng of materials and complete shoes

Chemicals are essential for the production of footwear materials and end prod-

ucts. In order to protect the consumer, the use of some substances is restricted

or even prohibited. We test your products for toxicologically relevant substanc-

es according to current legislation and can provide you with reliable informa-

tion concerning their marketability.

Harmful substances subject to EU regulations include:

Formaldehyde

Chromium VI

Carcinogenic and allergenic dyes

Prohibited amines released by specifi c AZO dyes

Release of nickel by metal components

Cadmium

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MICROBIOLOGICAL TESTINGCOMBATTING MICROORGANISMS.

Antibacterial fi nishes of footwear lining materials are intended to assure hy-

gienic freshness. The effi cacy of such fi nishes can be tested in our microbiology

laboratory. We also test and assess the effectiveness of mould prevention prod-

ucts for protection of your goods during storage and transport.

And what if a batch of goods shows signs of mould infestation? Cleaning and

reconditioning of such goods is nowadays possible. We can establish whether

such treatment has indeed been successful.

FIT TESTINGASSURING MAXIMUM COMFORT.

Alongside design, size and fi t are the most important and most obvious criteria

that come into play when buying shoes. A good fi t is of decisive importance

for subsequent comfort in wear. And the customer has long been aware that

the actual size of a shoe often differs from the stated size. We check with milli-

metre precision whether stated lengths and widths are correct, whether there

is adequate toe space, and whether the interiors are well fi nished in order that

shoes do not pinch.

INSPECTION SERVICENO RUDE AWAKENINGS.

Für international operierende Produktions- und Handelsunternehmen bietet

das PFI einen effi zienten, zuverlässigen und fl exiblen Qualitätssicherungs- und

Inspektionsservice an.

Vor dem Be- oder Entladen von Containern und Lkws, direkt in den Produk-

tionsstätten oder in den Lagerhallen kontrollieren wir die Ware gemäß Ihrer

Vorgaben und Wünsche.

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COMPLAINTSPFI OFFERS EXPERT ADVICE.

It is often diffi cult to ascertain whether a complaint is justifi ed or not. All you

have to do is to ask us! Whenever independent specialist advice or information

is needed, damage has to be assessed or the cause thereof has to be estab-

lished, PFI’s footwear experts are at your service with a wealth of profound

product knowledge.

CERTIFICATIONQUALITY PLUS SAFETY.

As an independent and trustworthy partner PFI supports companies in all

matters relating to quality and environmental management as well as product

certifi cation. We offer CE and GS as well as SG marking services for various

product groups and also certify medical and orthopaedic products.

OUR INSPECTED FOOTWEAR LABELA PERSUASIVE SELLING POINT.

Testing and quality assurance of your products is an important contribution

you can make as a footwear manufacturer or retailer. However, your potential

customer is often completely oblivious of your responsible approach and makes

his/her choice and purchase in ignorance thereof. The PFI Inspected Footwear

label provides you with a means of documenting your contribution and thus of

creating added value which would otherwise have escaped the attention of the

consumer. Label your products with the PFI Inspected Footwear label and pro-

mote them effectively with concepts such as freedom from harmful substances,

safety, quality, and a sense of responsibility.

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TRAINING & CONSULTANCYA KNOWLEDGE-BASED COMPETITIVE EDGE.

Our ISC subsidiary (International Shoe Competence Center) offers manufac-

turers, retailers, and suppliers an absolutely unique service for the footwear

industry. As a focus of competence and excellence, ISC is a central hub for all

questions relating to leather and footwear, from materials and machines via

production all the way to marketing and sales. You can benefi t from dissemina-

tion of knowledge of unparalleled practical relevance by experts, and consoli-

date your competitive edge through further qualifi cation of your employees.

FROM ORIGINAL IDEATO FINISHED PRODUCT.

You have an idea but nobody to translate it into reality? Thanks to our 1800

square metre model production shop equipped with the latest shoemaking

machinery, we can cost-effectively produce very small to small batches of any

desired magnitude. We can assist you all the way along the path from develop-

ment via implementation of your prototype to series production.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENTIMPRESSIVE FUNCTIONALITY AND PERFORMANCE.

As a recognised test and research institute we take our research mission very

seriously. We solve problems and address issues affecting the entire footwear

and leatherworking industry, fast, confi dentially, and unbureaucratically. Our

specialists cover a broad area of expertise, and we approach topics impacting

multiple areas in an interdisciplinary manner. For our clients we serve as an ex-

ternal research and development department. Numerous research projects of

industry-wide importance are funded by the German federal government, by

the individual German states, and by the EU. Our fi rst priority is your success!

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TEST EQUIPMENTMADE IN GERMANY.

Our engineering department develops and builds measuring, test, and produc-

tion equipment specifi cally for the footwear industry. We have the expertise

and the technical equipment to implement your ideas. We offer design, pro-

duction, and quality assurance from a single source – Made in Germany.

RAPIDAVAILABILITY OF RESULTS.

We know that our customers need prompt feedback because continued pro-

duction or goods shipment is often dependent upon the availability of test

results. Our on-line info portal allows our customers to access and act upon test

results round the clock from anywhere in the world.

FLEXIBILITYAND SHORT RESPONSE TIME.

We place particular emphasis on fl exibility. Unforeseeable events occurring in

production, critical delivery deadlines, bottlenecks, or other unexpected prob-

lems are part of everyday life in manufacturing industry. We are well aware of

this and, as a test institute, see ourselves as a link in a chain which has to adapt

and reschedule fl exibly and fast as the need arises. For this reason, we offer our

customers a 24 h express service, both for product testing and for our inspec-

tion service.

Prüf- und Forschungsinstitut Pirmasens e.V.

PFI Group

Marie-Curie-Str. 19 | D-66953 Pirmasens | Germany

Tel.: +49 6331 2490 0 | Fax: +49 6331 2490 60

E-Mail: info@pfi -group.org | Web: www.pfi -group.org

PFI Germany

Marie-Curie-Str. 19 | D-66953 Pirmasens | Germany

Tel.: +49 6331 2490 0 | Fax: +49 6331 2490 60

E-Mail: info@pfi -germany.de | Web: www.pfi -germany.de

PFI Middle East

İkitelli Org. San. Böl. Tümsan 2 San. Sit. İkitelli Plaza B Blok No: 21 Kat: 2 D: 15

34303 K.Çekmece – İstanbul | Turkey

Tel.: +90 212 485 04 55 | Fax: +90 212 485 04 88

E-Mail: info@pfi -istanbul.com | Web: www.pfi -istanbul.com

PFI Hong Kong

2/F Techno Centre | 33 On Kui Street | Fanling N.T. | SAR Hong Kong

Tel.: +852 267633 55 | Fax: +852 267633 77

E-Mail: info@pfi .hk | Web: www.pfi .hk

PFI China

Rm. 712, 7F, Kingdom Plaza | Dongguan | Guangdong Province | China

Tel.: +86 769 22760 121 | Fax: +86 769 22760 120

E-Mail: info@pfi -china.cn | Web: www.pfi .hk

ISC Germany

Marie-Curie-Str. 20 | D-66953 Pirmasens | Germany

Tel.: +49 6331 145334 13 | Fax: +49 6331 145334 30

E-Mail: info@isc-germany.com | Web: www.isc-germany.com

PFI Biotechnology

Marie-Curie-Str. 19 | D-66953 Pirmasens | Germany

Tel.: +49 6331 2490 840 | Fax: +49 6331 2490 888

E-Mail: info@pfi -biotechnology.de | Web: www.pfi -biotechnology.de

AT YOUR SERVICEWORLDWIDE.

Corporate Member of PFI Group:

Expert Knowledge · Training · Innovation

INTERNATIONAL SHOE COMPETENCE CENTER

The International Shoe Competence Center Pirmasens gGmbH or ISC Germany

for short is a training and research centre for the leather and footwear industry

and trade. We are based in Germany and operate on a global scale. We are a

central point of contact for all matters relating to footwear production, foot-

wear, leather goods, leather apparel, as well as the materials and the machines

needed to manufacture these products and also marketing and sales.

Shoe production has a long tradition in Pirmasens. The expertise in leather and

footwear uniquely concentrated in and around Pirmasens has meanwhile be-

come globally accessible. ISC Germany provides a gateway to this large body of

expertise residing in Pirmasens: we bring project partners together, we provide

innovative solutions and help your business to gain a knowledge based com-

petitive advantage.

ISC Germany is a subsidiary of the internationally acclaimed Test and Research

Institute Pirmasens (PFI Pirmasens) and was offi cially opened in June 2008. It is

legally registered as International Shoe Competence Center Pirmasens gGmbH,

and is thus a non-profi t limited liability company. The year 2008 also saw the

foundation of ISC Ethiopian Branch Ltd., our Ethiopian subsidiary.

ISC GERMANYCOMPETENCE IN FOOTWEAR AND LEATHER

TRAINING & FURTHER EDUCATIONINTERNATIONAL AND PRACTICE ORIENTED

ISC Germany offers a high-quality training and further education programme

with an emphasis on problem solving for the international footwear industry

and for trade. On request we develop seminars tailored to the individual requi-

rements of our customers. We impart practice-oriented specialist knowledge

in subjects such as

Footwear engineering

Materials science

Law

Logistics

New technologies

Marketing

In this capacity, ISC Germany supports the footwear- and leather-specifi c

courses of study offered by Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences and

by the German Vocational School for Shoemaking at Pirmasens with their of-

fi cially recognised qualifi cations.

The courses can be held in German or English and are thus open to interna-

tional participants.

Since the training programme focuses primarily on everyday practice, ISC Ger-

many has a fully operational state-of-the-art production facility, serving for

training purposes, for sample production, and for production trials using new

methods.

In addition to training and further education, research and development is an-

other core area of our activities. Projects include method development and

improvement as well as studies on open questions of fundamental research.

Particular attention is devoted to topics such as biomechanics, orthopaedics,

and production techniques.

A major focus of research activity at ISC Germany is described by the keyword

“interdisciplinary technology transfer“, which is concerned with the systematic

search for, and testing of, techniques used in other sectors of industry to estab-

lish their suitability for use in footwear production.

In order to focus knowledge and make it widely available, ISC Germany is cur-

rently setting up comprehensive internet-based databases for the international

leather and footwear sector. Gateway to this expert knowledge is our website

www.isc-germany.com.

RESEARCH & INNOVATIONTHINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

Our Partners:

www.isc-germany.com

ISC Germany

ISC - International Shoe Competence Center Pirmasens gGmbH

Marie-Curie-Str. 20 | D-66953 Pirmasens | Germany

Tel.: +49 6331 145334 0 | Fax: +49 6331 145334 30

E-Mail: info@isc-germany.com | Web: www.isc-germany.com | Web: www.pfi -group.org

Member of PFI Group

QUALITY MEANSSAFETY AND SECURITY.

Testing · Research · Engineering · Certifi cation · Inspection · Training

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Success does not come by accident but by purposeful design – best

of all in collaboration with a competent and dependable partner.

The PFI Group offers you access to the concentrated expertise of

more than 100 experts from a very wide range of disciplines, all

sharing the common goal of making your structures, your processes,

and your products better, safer, and more efficient.

The PFI Group represents a unique combination of accredited labo-

ratories, multidisciplinary engineering, and certification body. And

is of enormous potential value to you. Whether you wish to take a

new market by storm or successfully maintain your position in an

established one.

OUR APPROVAL MEANSCONSUMER ACCEPTANCE.

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Each market is different; each client has specific wishes and objec-

tives. We are therefore constantly reinventing ourselves. Rapidly,

flexibly, in a targeted manner. Our satisfied clients include many

leading companies, government agencies, and organisations. The

only remaining question: What can we do for you?

PERFORMANCEBUILDS TRUST.

Testing. We perform chemical, physical, and microbiological tests in

our accredited laboratories. On all kinds of materials and products.

Even within 24 hours in urgent cases.

Research. You are currently lacking capacity? We have it. Our engi-

neering laboratory has facilities for large-scale experimental setups

for a wide range of industries.

Development. The department for mechanical and equipment en-

gineering, software development, and control engineering designs

and constructs special-purpose and test machines according to your

specifications.

Certification. We offer CE, GS, and SG marking services for various

product groups and certify the quality and environmental manage-

ment system of your company.

Inspection. PFI Group experts undertake goods inspections for you

practically anywhere in the world. We can provide publicly appointed

and sworn experts for questions concerning guarantees, warranties etc.

Training. At ISC (International Shoe Competence Center), our

teaching and research centre, we offer tuition in a wide range of

practically oriented subjects for the international footwear and leath-

er industry.

Detailed information can be found at: www.pfi-group.org

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Today it is almost impossible for manufacturers, importers, or retail-

ers to keep a clear head in the jungle of national and international

standards and legislation. Particularly since the valid requirements are

in a constant state of flux.

You can be on the safe side from the very start with the PFI Group.

Our experts undertake chemical, physical, and microbiological tests

on consumer articles for you according to current European and in-

ternational requirements. With the very latest equipment of course.

And even more importantly: on the basis of over 50 years’ practical

experience.

Internal and external quality assurance, regular updating of our

knowledge base, and participation in standards committees and

working groups all serve to substantiate our claim that the PFI Group

stands for top quality in quality testing.

TESTINGQUALITY.

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You need your own measurement, testing, or production equip-

ment? Then our engineering department is the right address for

you. Because they have the expertise and the technical facilities to

successfully transform your individual concepts into reality. In plant

and mechanical engineering, in control engineering, in software

development. In short: Wherever you may need us.

From the original idea, via drawing up a catalogue of specifica-

tions, through to the finished solution – the PFI Group offers

design, production, and quality assurance from a single source. The

result is technology made in Germany. Of impressive functionality

and performance.

DEVELOPINGQUALITY.

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Quality is our passion. Because quality is the key to business success

– and makes our world a little better every day. Whether products

and services or the underlying processes and structures – the PFI

Group undertakes testing, optimisation, and certification. To keep

you that decisive step ahead of your competitors.

Our accredited and EU-approved certification centre is a compe-

tent and dependable partner in all matters relating to quality and

environmental management. Certification by the PFI Group clearly

signals quality to your customers. Moreover, a strategically oriented

management system will provide you with a firm basis for rapid

reaction to changing market situations or new legislation.

OF SECURITY.FOR THAT EXTRA DEGREE

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Our auditors are also your partners in the area of product certifica-

tion. We certify compliance of products with legal requirements,

issue EC type-examination certificates for CE marking, and offer GS

and SG marking services.

The PFI Group has developed its own “Inspected Footwear” label

specifically for the footwear industry. The tests for harmful sub-

stances go far beyond legal requirements. Further test criteria are

comfort in wear, quality of workmanship, and fit. This label is a

valuable orientational aid for the consumer. And a powerful selling

point for the manufacturer.

Detailed information can be found at: www.inspectedfootwear.com

BUSINESS BOOST.FOR A MEASURABLE

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Our modern world is developing rapidly. And we are evolving too.

Because versatility is our business. Also in the areas of biotechno-

logy and environmental engineering.

PFI Biotechnology has been heavily involved in the material and

energetic utilisation of biomass since 2003. Our experts handle the

biological process engineering of some 30 biogas plants just in the

state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

The main focus of our work in environmental engineering is on the

study of plasma-based processes (air ionisation) for improvement

of air quality. In addition, we also provide consulting services to

companies in the choice of equipment for exhaust air treatment

and perform all necessary on-site measurements.

CALLING INTHE EXPERTS.

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The PFI Group provides a worldwide inspection service for manu-

facturing and trading companies active in the international market-

place. Wherever you may be, our quality expertise will not be far

away. Thanks to many years’ experience in goods inspection we are

in a position to evaluate a wide range of products.

Our operations in Hong Kong, Mainland China, India, Ethiopia, and

Turkey can of course also dispatch highly qualified experts to your

business. Just as you would expect from our headquarters in Ger-

many.

ELIMINATINGRISKS.

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An intimate knowledge of domestic and global markets is required

in order to tap the full sales potential they offer. Or to develop new

markets. The PFI Group can support you with its wealth of expert

knowledge of the market and industry accrued over many decades

and with the intelligent solutions it has developed – all tailored to

the needs of you and your enterprises.

For example, we offer advice about current possibilities of research

funding and handle many of the necessary formalities for you. Or

we tap into our large network of cooperation partners. As a mem-

ber of the German Federation of Industrial Research Associations

(AiF) and of the European Union of Research Institutes we are con-

stantly participating in transnational projects.

EXPERTISEWITH A HUMAN TOUCH.

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There is no area of activity that the PFI Group knows better than the

footwear industry. Conversely, we can safely claim that nobody is as

knowledgeable about the footwear industry as we are. In founding

the International Shoe Competence Center (ISC) we have created

an international contact point in the middle of Germany which

concerns itself with all matters relating to the footwear industry.

The services offered by ISC include an extensive range of training

and further education programmes, internet-based databases, and

a state-of-the-art production facility, serving for training purposes,

for sample production, and for production trials using new meth-

ods.

Purchasers of footwear, leather goods, and leather apparel are be-

coming ever-more demanding. The PFI Group can help you to fulfil

and often even surpass their expectations.

Detailed information can be found at: www.isc-germany.com

COMMITTEDTO PROGRESS.

Prüf- und Forschungsinstitut Pirmasens e.V.

PFI Group

Marie-Curie-Str. 19 | D-66953 Pirmasens | Germany

Tel.: +49 6331 2490 0 | Fax: +49 6331 2490 60

E-Mail: info@pfi -group.org | Web: www.pfi -group.org

PFI Germany

Marie-Curie-Str. 19 | D-66953 Pirmasens | Germany

Tel.: +49 6331 2490 0 | Fax: +49 6331 2490 60

E-Mail: info@pfi -germany.de | Web: www.pfi -germany.de

PFI Middle East

İkitelli Org. San. Böl. Tümsan 2 San. Sit. İkitelli Plaza B Blok No: 21 Kat: 2 D: 15

34303 K.Çekmece – İstanbul | Turkey

Tel.: +90 212 485 04 55 | Fax: +90 212 485 04 88

E-Mail: info@pfi -istanbul.com | Web: www.pfi -istanbul.com

PFI Hong Kong

2/F Techno Centre | 33 On Kui Street | Fanling N.T. | SAR Hong Kong

Tel.: +852 267633 55 | Fax: +852 267633 77

E-Mail: info@pfi .hk | Web: www.pfi .hk

PFI China

Rm. 712, 7F, Kingdom Plaza | Dongguan | Guangdong Province | China

Tel.: +86 769 22760 121 | Fax: +86 769 22760 120

E-Mail: info@pfi -china.cn | Web: www.pfi .hk

ISC Germany

Marie-Curie-Str. 20 | D-66953 Pirmasens | Germany

Tel.: +49 6331 145334 13 | Fax: +49 6331 145334 30

E-Mail: info@isc-germany.com | Web: www.isc-germany.com

PFI Biotechnology

Marie-Curie-Str. 19 | D-66953 Pirmasens | Germany

Tel.: +49 6331 2490 840 | Fax: +49 6331 2490 888

E-Mail: info@pfi -biotechnology.de | Web: www.pfi -biotechnology.de

AT YOUR SERVICEWORLDWIDE.

Corporate Member of PFI Group: