Abstract

A statistical analysis of the results of leather softness testing has indicated that there is a correlation between sensory evaluation scores and results of objective instrumental measurement. The tests were carried out by using 7 leather specimens, of which one was aldehyde-based syntan treated, while others were chrome tanned, and all the leathers were grain finished. Sensory evaluation of leather softness was performed by using the ranking method and the multiple ordering method with the participation of 70 panelists (judges). Based on calculated value of Kendallʼs W a moderate agreement among rates was found. Instrumental softness measurements on the same specimens were carried out according to a standardised leather softness assessment method with a softness tester. The value of the Spearmanʼs rank correlation coefficient equal to 0.893 indicates a strong positive correlation between the results of the score assessment and instrumental measurements. A slightly weaker correlation, but still considered strong, equal to 0.821 was found between the results of the multiple ordering method and instrumental measurements.