#Research & Development

2020-12-03

Hohenstein tests according to European guidelines for community masks

Standardized test procedures at Hohenstein provide information as to whether everyday masks are sufficiently breathable and have sufficient filter performance. © Hohenstein

Testing service provider and research partner, Hohenstein now tests according to the first European guideline for community masks, the CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA) 17553:2020. Hohenstein had already taken a big step towards safety and functionality with the introduction of its quality label for Tested Community Masks. The new "Community Face Coverings-Guide to minimum requirements, methods of testing and use" sets minimum requirements for design, performance evaluation, labelling and packaging of both reusable and disposable masks.

Community masks are important in containing the spread of the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. But: to fulfill their function, they must meet certain requirements. The objective of the standard is to support manufacturers of masks who have switched production to non-medical, everyday masks. This will provide them with assistance regarding the requirements for such masks, which must also meet the legal requirements for textiles and satisfy certain functional demands.

Uniform product quality and durability standards across Europe are particularly important for containing the spread across borders. Clear product information helps consumers rely on the safety of community masks. The guideline can therefore also serve as a marketing aid for suppliers in international competition.

The Hohenstein Quality Label for Tested Community Masks makes the quality and durability of the products visible. © Hohenstein

Standardized test procedures at Hohenstein provide information as to whether everyday masks have sufficient breathability and filter performance. Other quality parameters include washability, fit and safety from harmful substances. Hohenstein also checks compliance with legal requirements and proper labelling and use instructions.

Manufacturers of everyday masks can also earn the Hohenstein Quality Label for Tested Community Masks by proving product performance and certifying to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®.

Find detailed information here: http://www.hohenstein.com/cwa-standard and http://www.hohenstein.com/hql-community-masks

A new standard to combat plastic waste in forests

With DIN SPEC 35808 “Tree Shelter for Forestry Applications,” the testing and research service provider Hohenstein, in collaboration with Rottenburg University of Forestry, as well as forestry authorities and industry partners, has established a clear framework for bio-based and fully biodegradable tree shelters. The pre-standard defines requirements and practical testing methods designed to reduce plastic waste in forests and strengthen the long-term protection of soil and the environment.

Hohenstein publishes 2025 Sustainability Report

The testing and research service provider Hohenstein has published its latest sustainability report, outlining key progress and strategic initiatives. The report focuses on ambitious CO₂ reduction targets, the company’s new mission statement and the systematic expansion of sustainable services for customers worldwide.

New DIN SPEC assesses environmental impact of textile fragments in soil

Textile products made from synthetic fibres, finished fabrics or dyed materials release fibre fragments into the environment at every stage of their life cycle. With the new DIN SPEC 19296, Hohenstein has developed a standardised testing method to analyse how these fragments behave in soil under natural conditions. Until now, little was known about their environmental behaviour or potential ecological effects once released.

Reducing development times for technical textiles by accelerated thermo-oxidative aging in a high-pressure autoclave

Synthetic polymers used in technical textiles can be effectively protected against degradation caused by heat, oxygen, and water through the use of stabilizer systems. This enables service lives of several decades, extending to more than 50 years. As the use of durable technical textiles continues to grow, so does the demand for reliable methods to predict their service life within economically feasible testing periods. For the first time the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) developed methods for robust service life prediction for textiles in an IGF research project.

ITA has developed a washable digital smart jacket with real-time feedback and an AI-powered app for rehabilitation

As part of the PhysioTaix research project, the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University is developing a digital smart jacket with integrated sensors. The jacket is washable and reusable; it tracks movements during rehabilitation exercises in real time and transmits the data to an app.

ADD-ITC 2026 highlights strong industry participation

The Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference (ADD-ITC) 2026 will place a strong focus on the exchange between textile research and industry when it takes place on November 26–27, 2026, at the International Congress Center Dresden. According to the preliminary conference program, more than two-thirds of all presentations will be contributed by companies or jointly presented by industry and research institutions.

Coats Digital launches AI-powered GSD RealMotion for motion analysis

Coats Digital has launched GSD RealMotion, an AI-powered solution designed to provide apparel manufacturers with greater visibility into factory-floor operations. By analysing shop-floor video and applying Coats Digital’s GSD methodology, the solution turns video recordings into structured, motion-by-motion method studies.

Archroma and Lameirinho partner in pioneering deployment of InOneGO single-step dyeing

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, and Lameirinho, a leading home textiles manufacturer based in Portugal, are collaborating to bring InOneGO by Archroma, a new single-step dyeing process, into commercial production. Lameirinho’s first InOneGo bedlinens collection is now available worldwide.