#Research & Development

2024-12-19

New DIN SPEC supports the development of textiles with low microfibre discharge

Building on a rapid test for the detection of microfibres in sample water presented in 2023, the sporting goods manufacturer Under Armour, together with the testing service provider Hohenstein and the measuring device provider PPT Group, has now published a standardised test method that enables the determination of microfibre release from textiles under simulated washing conditions. With the help of the new DIN SPEC 19292, apparel/textile companies along the value chain are now able to measure and (e.g. comparatively) evaluate the extent of fibre release of different materials as part of their product development.

The new DIN SPEC 19292:2024-12, developed by Under Armour, Hohenstein and the PPT Group, makes it possible to determine the (micro)fibre discharge of textiles during washing using a standardised test method. A five-stage rating (from ‘1: very dense amount of fibres’ to ‘5: very small amount of fibres’) evaluates the extent to which a textile material releases fibre fragments into wastewater based on a visual inspection with a microscope. © 2024 Hohenstein

Test method is suitable for materials made of man-made and natural fibres

During the manufacture and use, but also during the care of textile products made from synthetic materials, fibres are released into the environment and pollute the oceans as microplastics, for example. Depending on the washing programme selected, i.e. the temperature and mechanical load, different quantities of textile fibres end up in the wastewater, even when washing items made from natural fibres. This is where the DIN SPEC 19292 test procedure comes in: After a simulated washing process of a fabric sample using tabletop equipment and a defined amount of water, the sample water is filtered and, based on a visual evaluation with a microscope, the degree of fibre fragmentation by the textile material is determined.

“With our broad expertise in sustainable solutions, we have been supporting companies in the textile industry for years in better understanding the fibre discharge of their products into the environment, making it objectively measurable and reducing it in a targeted manner,” says CEO Dr Timo Hammer, summarising Hohenstein's contribution to the new DIN SPEC.

On the industry side, Under Armour was looking to develop an easy-to-use, accessible solution for its producers that would allow the company and others to avoid microplastics through product development. “In the apparel industry, assessing the fibre abrasion of garments can be a costly and time-consuming process,” explains Kyle Blakley, Senior Vice President of Innovation, Development and Testing at Under Armour. “With Hohenstein's expertise, our team was able to align our innovative new test method to the globally recognised framework of DIN SPEC 19292. This exciting milestone supports our aim to make the test method as accurate and internationally accessible as possible.”

In addition to working on the new DIN SPEC 19292, Hohenstein also offers further tests to determine the extent to which (micro)fibres degrade in the wastewater of production plants or in household laundry and how harmful the fibre residues are to the environment. The tests are carried out according to Hohenstein’s in-house methods as well as international standards and procedures.

In addition to determining the (micro)fibre discharge, Hohenstein offers further tests that can also be used to determine how well textile fibres degrade in wastewater and how harmful they are to the environment. © 2024 Hohenstein

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.

Meadow Grove Research joins ITMF as Corporate Member

Meadow Grove Research is a commodity research firm specializing in supply, demand, and trade analysis in cotton and other soft commodities. Providing clarity to the complex nature of the global fiber supply chain is one of its most formidable services. The firm thrives on customer engagement and providing the best framework for critical decisions.

ALADIN paves the way for circular and demand-driven textile production in Europe

Textile production can be organized sustainably by utilizing short supply chains and preventing overproduction. This can already be achieved today by intelligently connecting and efficiently utilizing existing infrastructure. At the same time, production becomes circular when innovative technologies and materials are used that enable high-quality recycling. The ALADIN research project, launched in May 2026 and co-funded with five million euros under the EU Horizon Europe program, is creating the conditions for this.

TERIS reaches milestone: Fraunhofer consortium develops new standards for tire analysis

In the “TERIS” project, the Fraunhofer institutes ICT, IGD, and IWM—led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF—have reached a decisive milestone. For the first time, the teams aim to generate, analyse, and predict tire wear in the laboratory in a standardized and practical manner. As part of this milestone, results are now available on reference abrasion, particle analysis, tribological models, AI-based surface analysis, a test bench concept, and methods for accelerated aging and VOC detection. The tire industry, testing services, and environmental agencies will in future benefit from reliable, rapid laboratory procedures for emissions assessment.

Geotextiles made from recycled materials: GREEN leads the way into the industry

For the industry, recycled materials are creating new opportunities in geotextile production. In the GREEN project, the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE demonstrates that recycled polypro-pylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and high-density polyeth-ylene (HDPE) can be processed into nonwovens, fibers, and membranes that meet industrial requirements. This creates opportunities for use in existing production lines and new value chains in the geotextile market.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.