EN 12242 is a test method used to determine the peel strength of a touch and close (also known as “hook and loop”) fastener. A touch and close fastener is made up of two different types of materials: the male material is constructed with monofilament warp ends and finished to form-locking elements of either “hook” or “mushroom” shape. The female material is constructed with multifilament yarns in “loops”. When the two types of material are pressed together, the male and female elements engage to form a secure closure which can be separated by a peeling action from either end.

EN 12242 is widely used in the textile industry to evaluate different hook and loop fasteners. These fasteners have a wide range of uses, from apparel and footwear to consumer products to more industrial usage. In all cases, a complete understanding of their properties are important to ensure they perform as expected. The primary results of interest are minimum, maximum, and average peel strength.