#Sustainability

2022-12-21

OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS certification

Georg Dieners (Secretary General of the OEKO-TEX® Association) and Michael Möller (Division Manager Audits & Certification at Hohenstein) hand over the first OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS certificate to the successful pilot customer Weitblick. © Hohenstein

On December 14, 2022, Hohenstein was able to hand over the first certification certificate for OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS to its pilot customer Weitblick GmbH & Co. KG. The certification was introduced by OEKO-TEX® in November 2022 and thus supports companies in the textile and leather industry in the implementation of human rights and environmental due diligence obligations. The contribution to achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement is another optional component.

Pilot customer Weitblick is the first company to receive the new certification

"We are delighted that Weitblick is setting a leading example," emphasizes Michael Möller, Head of Audits and Certifications at Hohenstein. "We are also encouraging companies that have not yet taken such a close look at their supply chain. The topic of the Supply Chain Duty of Care Act will come up for everyone." In addition, certification should give companies advantages in public tenders, since the requirements are comparable to those of the Green Button, except for the material specifications.

Weitblick inspires their customers with design-oriented workwear. The clothing is available for rent through long-standing partners in textile services or can be ordered in the Weitblick Online Shop as well as through direct sales. ©Weitblick

Isabelle Ilori-King, shareholder at Weitblick, explains, "After OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN certification, OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS is the logical next step for us towards a sustainable future. The certification is demanding, but it is worth it." To drive sustainability forward, Weitblick has set up a cross-departmental task force.

Only large companies that have a reporting obligation to the government are directly affected by the new supply chain law. However, small companies within the supply chain will often have to provide information to their large customers.

OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS supports companies in the textile and leather industry in the implementation of human rights and environmental due diligence obligations. © 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.

Renewables lower energy prices and play key role to reduce vulnerability to fossil fuel supply shocks

Renewables lower energy prices and play key role to reduce vulnerability to fossil fuel supply shocks Boosting the use of homegrown renewable electricity is Europe’s best way to reduce its vulnerability to volatile international energy supplies and rising energy prices according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) assessment published today.

HKRITA signs MoU with Jeanologia and Looptworks to establish the Green Machine Circular Textile Ecosystem

The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) yesterday officially signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two key global partners, Jeanologia and Looptworks, to establish the Green Machine Circular Textile Ecosystem – a first-of-its-kind collaboration to accelerate the large-scale recycling of blended textiles.

Textile Exchange unveils agenda for 2026 conference in Vancouver

Textile Exchange has released the agenda for its 2026 Conference, which will take place from October 12–16 in Vancouver, Canada. Under the theme “The Implementation Era,” the event will focus on translating sustainability commitments into practical action and scaling solutions across businesses, supply systems, and landscapes.

Reju opens its first R&D Center in the U.S. in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

Reju, the company specializing in textile regeneration, today announced the opening of a Research and Development (R&D) Center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, the company's first proprietary research center in North America. Located within Technip Energies' existing Advanced Materials and Catalysts research center, the lab will allow Reju to accelerate the rollout of its recycling technologies and develop its next-generation circular solutions.

Itema reaffirms its commitment to the Syrian textile industry at NasTex 2026

From July 18th to 21st, Itema will exhibit at NasTex at the Damascus Fairground (Hall 11 – Stand C02), marking its return to one of the Middle East’s historically significant textile markets. Itema will showcase advanced weaving technology designed to support the competitiveness and technological evolution of Syrian manufacturers and announces a new partnership with Growfast Agency as the sole agent of Itema in Syria.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.