#Research & Development

2026-02-11

Hohenstein: 80 Years of Setting Standards

Testing and research laboratory ensures safe and more sustainable products worldwide

With a global network in more than 50 countries, modern laboratories and short turnaround times, Hohenstein supports companies in bringing textiles, hardlines and medical devices to market safely, more sustainably and reliably. © Hohenstein

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.

Pioneers of Textile Safety

Hohenstein was founded in 1946 by Otto Mecheels as a research institute for the textile industry and clothing physiology. From the very beginning, the institute combined scientific research with practical application – an approach that continues to define Hohenstein to this day. Early series measurements for body-size charts laid the foundation for the company’s fit expertise and knowledge transfer played a central role from the start, with research, teaching and testing closely interlinked.

Founded in 1946 by Otto Mecheels as a research institute for the textile industry and clothing physiology, Hohenstein has combined scientific research with practical application from the very beginning. © Hohenstein

In 1962, Jürgen Mecheels took over the management of the institute. During this period, Hohenstein developed new testing methods and became a central hub connecting textiles, microbiology and consumer protection. A major milestone followed in 1992, when Hohenstein, as a founding member of OEKO-TEX®, helped set important benchmarks for safe and more sustainable textiles.

With its first series measurements for body size charts, Hohenstein laid the foundation for its fit expertise. Through pattern services, fit testing and sizing solutions, the company ensures that garments achieve an optimal fit. © Hohenstein

A Period of Dynamic Change

In 1995, under the leadership of Stefan Mecheels, Hohenstein began its consistent international expansion. New laboratories in Hong Kong, India and Bangladesh extended the global network. At the same time, the Hohenstein Academy evolved into an established provider of professional training and education. Today, the company is managed by two external CEOs, supported by a family advisory board. “In 2025, I deliberately entrusted the management of Hohenstein to people whom my family and I deeply trust,” explains Stefan Mecheels. “Even after 80 years, Hohenstein therefore stands for continuity and responsibility – while at the same time embracing fresh momentum and innovation.”

Diversification for Global Success

Under the leadership of Stefan Droste and Timo Hammer, Hohenstein has strategically expanded its portfolio. Alongside textiles, hardlines and medical devices have become key areas of Hohenstein’s testing expertise. In the modern hardlines laboratories, products such as toys, frying pans, and suitcases are tested. The medical devices division is certified according to recognized GLP standards (Good Laboratory Practice) and underscores Hohenstein’s high quality standards.

The portfolio is further complemented by the Apparel Fit Solutions division, which combines innovative 3D technologies with classical expertise to provide customers with optimal fit and perfect cut. In this way, Hohenstein individually supports its clients from testing through certification to market launch – ensuring safe and reliable products worldwide. “For us, excellence means more than simply meeting standards,” says CEO Stefan Droste. “Our testing and certifications build trust – both among our partners and among the people who use the products.” Accordingly, Hohenstein is actively involved in the OEKO-TEX® Association, standardization committees, the development of new testing methods, and the research of sustainable processes.

Hohenstein’s Apparel Fit Solutions team combines years of fit and pattern expertise with cutting-edge 3D technology to support clients individually. © Hohenstein

Setting New Standards

With a global network in more than 50 countries, state-of-the-art laboratories and short turnaround times, Hohenstein will continue to support companies in bringing products to market reliably, more sustainably and safely. Today, more than 1,500 employees work for the testing and research service provider worldwide. “We are continuously evolving – both technologically and as an organization,” emphasizes CEO Timo Hammer. “Care and integrity form the foundation of our daily work. Our success in the medical devices and hardlines sectors demonstrates the value of our interdisciplinary expertise. Our ambition goes beyond technical excellence: we take responsibility – for tested products, for their users and for a future that concerns us all.”

Hohenstein at a Glance

1,500+ employees worldwide

Accredited testing laboratories in 6 countries

1992 Co-founder of OEKO-TEX®

Founded in 1946

650+ employees at headquarters in Germany

Representative offices in 50+ countries

10.000+ OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN Labels

80 years of expertise

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.

EU ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear now in force

The European Union's ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, clothing accessories and footwear has entered into force. Since July 19, 2026, large companies across the EU have been prohibited from destroying unsold textile products, while medium-sized companies will be required to comply with the same rules from 2030.

Eastman Naia™ brings its inside-out denim vision to Kingpins New York

Following its debut at Kingpins Amsterdam, Eastman Naia™ brings the next chapter of its denim story to Kingpins New York, taking place July 22–23. At Booth Green 7, Naia™ presents its denim proposition built around three complementary design directions: Performance Denim, Fashion Denim and Authentic Denim.