Warning regarding the natural fading of fabrics exposed to UV rays

Notice on the natural fading of fabrics exposed to UV rays

1. Purpose and scope

This notice concerns fabrics and outdoor seating upholstery sold by Forentiax and used in Italy. It explains how sunlight can gradually alter color, which conditions affect this phenomenon, how to distinguish normal aging from a possible defect, and what responsibilities lie with Forentiax and the customer, respectively.

This notice does not claim that all fading is inevitable, nor that every color variation is excluded from the seller's liability. The assessment depends on the characteristics stated for the fabric, the duration and intensity of exposure, the conditions of use, maintenance, and the way the variation appears.

2. Why light changes color

Ultraviolet radiation can progressively alter pigments, dyes, and fibers. The change may appear as lower saturation, a lighter shade, a difference between exposed and covered areas, or a variation in the original contrast. This is a physical process influenced by the light energy received over time and does not automatically coincide with a loss of fabric strength.

Exposure is not uniform in all environments. The orientation of the terrace, season, daily hours of sunshine, altitude, shade, reflective surfaces, proximity to the sea, heat, humidity, and the alternation between wet and dry conditions can accelerate or slow down the variation. Two items of the same color, placed in different spots, may therefore evolve differently without this in itself proving a defect.

3. Meaning of "suitable for outdoor use"

The indication of suitability for outdoor use means that the material and construction are intended for the conditions described in the product sheet. It is not equivalent to permanent immunity to sun, rain, heat, humidity, salt air, or dirt. Even a fabric developed for outdoor use may change appearance with continuous exposure.

Expressions such as UV resistance or fade resistance, when present in the description, must be read according to the specifically stated specifications. They cannot be turned into a guarantee of unchanged color for an unlimited period. At the same time, Forentiax must comply with any level, performance, or duration that it has expressly indicated and cannot use this notice to contradict a promised characteristic.

4. Fading normally compatible with use

A variation that jointly presents elements such as the following can be considered compatible with normal aging:

1) gradual development after actual exposure to light;

2) greater prominence on surfaces facing the sun and less in covered areas;

3) a progression proportional to the duration, intensity, and continuity of exposure;

4) absence of tearing, abnormal color detachment, stains originating from the material, or premature loss of function;

5) consistency with the communicated instructions for use, protection, and maintenance.

A gradual aesthetic variation that does not compromise function and derives from the normal effect of the environment does not, by itself, constitute an original defect. However, it is not evaluated using an invented color threshold or an automatic rule based solely on the time elapsed.

5. Situations requiring verification

Forentiax examines as a potential defect, without assuming customer liability, any fading that is very rapid compared to the declared use, highly irregular without a corresponding difference in exposure, or accompanied by fiber degradation, abnormal color transfer, cracking, peeling, or other alterations not explained by normal wear.

Verification is also required in cases where the fabric does not reach a specifically declared UV performance, the variation is already present at delivery, items from the same batch show marked differences before use, or the instructions prove insufficient or incompatible with the indicated destination. In such situations, this notice does not exclude repair, replacement, price reduction, or refund where due.

6. Reasonable care of the fabric

To limit unnecessary exposure, the customer should follow the product-specific instructions and adopt measures compatible with their space:

1) use shade, breathable covers, or storage when the seat remains unused for long periods;

2) prevent water or moisture from remaining trapped under a cover;

3) periodically rotate or reposition movable parts, if construction allows, to reduce concentrated differences;

4) remove dirt, salt, creams, oils, and residues according to directions, without using unauthorized harsh products;

5) let the fabric dry completely before storing;

6) avoid dyeing, bleaching, solvent, or waterproofing treatments that are not expressly compatible.

These measures reduce the risk but do not guarantee the total absence of variation. Partial shade can create differences between zones; a non-ventilated cover can promote moisture; overly vigorous cleaning can change the color more than light can. Care must therefore be proportionate to the material and not left to generic solutions.

7. Customer responsibility

The customer must use and store the fabric according to the information available, taking into account the actual exposure environment. The customer is responsible for alterations caused exclusively by use contrary to the instructions, incompatible detergents, bleaching, abrasion, improper washing, prolonged stagnation, non-breathable covers, contact with coloring substances, or unauthorized modifications.

Simple outdoor placement does not constitute improper use when the product is declared for such a destination. Forentiax cannot automatically attribute a variation to the customer just because the item has been exposed to the sun. To exclude a defect, concrete conditions, provided information, and the causal link between use and fading must be considered.

8. Forentiax responsibility

Forentiax must correctly describe the destination, material, and resistance characteristics available, provide understandable maintenance instructions, and deliver a product that conforms to what was presented. It remains responsible for original defects, failure to meet declared characteristics, misleading information, inadequate instructions, or alterations not attributable to normal exposure or customer conduct.

It is not responsible for natural color variation alone when this is proportionate to the conditions of use, does not contradict a declared performance, and does not compromise the product's conformity. Liability is assessed based on the actual cause; a contribution from the environment or the customer does not eliminate any part attributable to material, description, or instructions.

9. Displayed color and initial reference

Screens, brightness, device settings, and photographic lighting can change color perception. A minimal difference between a digital image and the physical product does not automatically demonstrate fading. However, images must reasonably represent the shade and cannot mask substantial differences.

To document evolution, it is helpful to photograph the product upon receipt in indirect natural light and keep the images without filters. A reliable comparison should use similar lighting conditions, include an exposed and a protected area, and not be based on edited photographs.

10. Reporting and verification

The customer should report a variation deemed abnormal as soon as it is detected, indicating:

1) order number and affected part;

2) approximate date of first use and of the first observed change;

3) position, indicative hours of direct sun, and presence of covers;

4) cleaning method and products used;

5) overall and close-up photographs, possibly comparing exposed and covered areas.

This information is used for assessment and does not constitute a disproportionate burden. The lack of an initial photograph does not automatically eliminate rights. Forentiax may request further relevant elements, examine the product, or organize a verification, without requiring evidence that only the seller or manufacturer can reasonably obtain.

The outcome must distinguish between normal aesthetic evolution, incompatible maintenance, and a possible defect. If the request is rejected, Forentiax will communicate the reasoning and the factors considered. If non-conformity is confirmed, it applies the appropriate remedy without transferring costs that are the seller's responsibility to the customer.

11. Relationship with returns and consumer rights

This notice does not reduce the Forentiax return period of up to 30 days from delivery and does not exclude rights related to a lack of conformity. In the first 14 days, exposure or use exceeding what is necessary to verify the product can affect the return value only to the extent actually documented. From the 15th to the 30th day, the conditions of the voluntary extension already communicated to the customer apply.

Natural fading that occurs after prolonged use, consistent with environmental conditions, is not transformed into a defect merely because the original color has changed. Conversely, the term "natural fading" cannot be used to deny a problem that existed at delivery or that reveals performance inferior to that stated.

12. Contacts for verification