#Research & Development

2025-03-27

Hohenstein releases 2024 sustainability report

Responsible action is a defining value for Hohenstein, a global testing and research provider. Their 2024 Sustainability Report provides transparency through documented progress and detailed insights into how sustainability is embedded. It covers both the existing sustainability measures at the German headquarters and the company's goals for 2025 and beyond. The direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3) of all its locations worldwide were recorded for the first time.

The 2024 sustainability report covers both the existing sustainability measures at the German headquarters and the company's goals for 2025 and beyond. The direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3) of all its locations worldwide were recorded for the first time. © Hohenstein

Hohenstein sees ecological, social and economic sustainability as success factors for the future and has taken important action over the past year:

Environmental: In addition to a new combined heat and power plant, the photovoltaic system was installed at the headquarters. An environmental team and the newly appointed environmental officer are supporting the introduction of the environmental management system in accordance with EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme). Future reduction targets and measures will be developed based on the greenhouse gas emissions recorded comprehensively for the first time.

Social: Through support, training and transparent exchange, Hohenstein is working to implement respectful cooperation with all of the global employees. The balance of work and private life also remains a focus. An internal satisfaction survey shows that 85% of employees are satisfied or very satisfied with Hohenstein as an employer. Most of the improvements that employees suggested in the survey have been implemented.

Corporate Governance: Hohenstein management creates a motivating work environment by promoting autonomy, meaning and expertise. Regular colloquia and HR consultations were expanded to include additional formats for communicating with management and increase the exchange. The Sustainable Development team was expanded.

Hohenstein has been implementing various measures to protect the environment and conserve resources for decades. This was confirmed by external KEFF+Check in 2024. Next year, the high level is to be further optimized as part of the EMAS introduction. “Sustainability and the responsible use of our planet's resources are a matter of course for us,” explains CEO Dr. Stefan Droste. “The increasing number of extreme weather events around the world clearly shows that every individual is called upon to contribute to safeguarding our common future. For this reason, environmental and climate protection is a top priority at Hohenstein.”

The family-owned company wants to take responsibility, not only in its own sustainable actions, but also as a reliable partner for its customers: “2024 was characterized by new regulations; in the EU alone, numerous directives were adopted, but in some cases their introduction was postponed and their content is still being finalized,” explains Katja Hetzer, Sustainability Development Manager at Hohenstein. “We support our clients in developing a solid strategic direction and selecting suitable measures. Thanks to our expertise in various specialist areas, we cover many aspects, not only for the fulfilment of corporate due diligence obligations, but also for sustainable product development.”

Click here for the Sustainability Report 2024

https://www.hohenstein.com/en/about-hohenstein/corporate-responsibility/sustainability-report

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.

Testing and research laboratory ensures safe and more sustainable products worldwide

For 80 years, Hohenstein has stood for independent testing, scientific expertise and practical solutions. Today, the testing and research service provider supports manufacturers and brands worldwide in making textiles, hardlines and medical devices safe, more sustainable and market-ready – thereby building trust among consumers. With an international presence and interdisciplinary expertise, Hohenstein supports its customers from production through to market launch, helping them navigate an environment of growing regulatory and societal demands.

Walter Reiners Foundation Prize awarded to three ITA graduates

Sabina Dann, Lukas Balon and Annegret Storm from the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University were awarded the Walter Reiners Foundation Prize by the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) for their master’s and bachelor’s theses. Peter Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation, presented the awards during Techtextil at the VDMA stand in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Young talents honoured – 60 years Walter Reiners Foundation

At the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt at the end of April, Peter D. Dornier, chairman of the VDMA’s Walter Reiners Foundation, presented awards to five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability awards were presented in the categories of bachelor’s/project theses and diploma/master’s theses. Academic theses are eligible for the sustainability awards if, for example, they develop solutions for resource-efficient products and technologies.

Regional hemp bast for lightweight construction profiles

The cultivation of fibre hemp for the production of ropes and clothing has a long tradition in Saxony. Due to its excellent fibre properties, it is also suitable as a renewable raw material for reinforcement in fibre composites. At the STFI and IWU in Chemnitz, the CannaPul project is cur- rently investigating how a regional value chain for hemp-based lightweight construction profiles can be established. To this end, the technical processing of hemp fibres into continuous fibre strands and their embedding in a suitable bio-based matrix are being investigated.

ITM 2026: KARL MAYER presents new perspectives

KARL MAYER will once again showcase itself as a strong partner to the Turkish textile industry at ITM in Istanbul from June 9 to 13. At Booth 303 A in Hall 3 of the Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center, the industry leader will exhibit solutions for warp knitting, warp preparation, and technical textiles – tailored to a challenging economic environment.

STFI highlights textile circular economy and alternative fibres at INDEX™ 2026

From 19 to 22 May 2026, INDEX will invite visitors to Lake Geneva for the world's leading nonwovens trade fair. The Centre of Excellence in Nonwovens at the Sächsisches Textilforschung- sinstitut e.V. (STFI) will be in attendance to present the latest developments in nonwovens research. In the field of the textile circular economy, the STFI will present acoustically effective nonwovens made from chemical recycling residues. The range also includes innovations aimed at replacing conventional raw materials, such as the biobased and biodegradable polymer polybutylene succinate (PBS) and Kendyr as an alternative to cotton.