#Research & Development

2026-04-09

Hohenstein publishes 2025 Sustainability Report

Testing and research service provider combines clear climate targets with reliable testing expertise for international clients

Hohenstein plans to reduce its CO₂ emissions by 50 percent by 2030 compared with the 2023 base year, in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (Scopes 1, 2 and 3). © Hohenstein

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.

Mission Statement: Sustainability at the core of business

In July 2025, Hohenstein introduced its new mission statement, clearly defining the company’s ambition: to help shape a liveable future, use resources responsibly and embed sustainability across social, environmental and economic dimensions. The mission statement serves as a foundation for daily decision-making and provides guidance for employees as well as business partners.

Climate Strategy

A central element of the report is Hohenstein’s climate strategy. The company aims to reduce its CO₂ emissions by 50 percent by 2030 compared with the 2023 base year, in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (Scopes 1, 2, and 3). More than 80 percent of emissions fall under Scope 3 and originate from upstream supply chains. Hohenstein is therefore systematically analysing its procurement practices and developing targeted reduction measures. Initial reductions were already achieved in 2025:

7,045 kg CO₂e saved through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with DHL GoGreen Plus

Another 5,258 kg CO₂e saved through the switch to the Go Green plus option with the highest possible CO₂e saving potential at the end of the year

100 percent electricity from renewable sources at the company’s U.S. location

Preparation for the gradual transition of the vehicle fleet to hybrid and electric vehicles

Transparency and dialogue as key success factors

For Hohenstein, sustainability also means fostering a strong corporate culture. Direct communication between management and employees has been further expanded. For the first time, all employees were able to attend the Global Management Summit via livestream and gain insights into the company’s strategy and positioning. Regular exchange formats promote transparency, participation and shared responsibility.

“Sustainability begins with every small decision and every daily interaction,” explains CEO Stefan Droste. “We take responsibility seriously and look closely at what we do, because true quality is impossible without sustainability. We test, certify and provide independent, practice-oriented consulting. Our goal is a future that is socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.”

Sustainable solutions for global supply chains

With its modular “Fit for Sustainability” concept, Hohenstein also supports other companies in systematically integrating sustainability into their organizations and supply chains – from strategy development and risk analysis to supply chain management and innovation projects.

The sustainability roadmap also addresses current and upcoming regulatory requirements, particularly EU-wide due diligence obligations, the Digital Product Passport, the Packaging Regulation and strategies for addressing PFAS-related issues.

Certifications such as OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN and RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS further help create transparency in supply chains and make corporate responsibility visible.

By publishing its sustainability report, Hohenstein underscores its commitment to implementing sustainability in a measurable, effective and forward-looking way – both within the company itself and together with its customers worldwide.

To the Hohenstein Sustainability Report 2025:

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.

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.

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

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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

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