#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.

Jeanologia and BCome connect factory data with Life Cycle Assessment and Digital Product Passports

A new white paper by EIM by Jeanologia and BCome demonstrates how primary environmental data from denim finishing processes can be integrated into a garment's Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and prepared for use in a Digital Product Passport (DPP). A comparative case study highlights significant improvements at the production stage while also showing how these translate into the environmental performance of the finished garment.

Trützschler brings intelligent fiber processing and automation to India ITME 2026

From December 4 to 9, 2026, the Trützschler Group will present its latest innovations in spinning, card clothing and nonwovens at India ITME in Greater Noida, India. At Hall 11, Booth B15, visitors can discover solutions designed to increase productivity, reduce operating costs and ensure consistently high product quality. Key highlights include the intelligent card TC 26i, the 12-head comber TCO 21XL, innovative card clothing solutions for improved fiber utilization and quality, as well as advanced nonwovens technologies for hygiene, wipes and technical applications.

Circulose resumes recycling of discarded cotton textiles and appoints interim CEO

Circulose today announced its restart of commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The Ortviken plant is the world’s first commercial-scale chemical textile recycling facility. Its restart demonstrates that the fashion industry is seeking ways to scale proven solutions that move beyond pilots and into commercial production.

Itema brings textile versatility to ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026

Itema announces its participation in ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026, taking place November 20–24 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. In Hall 3 – Stand D06, the company will showcase two Galileo-RX rapier weaving machines weaving heavy denim and conveyor belt fabrics, demonstrating its ability to address different textile requirements with application-specific configurations. Five additional Itema machines at partner booths will extend the exhibition lineup to upper shoe fabric, label, Jacquard leno fabrics, and shirting, offering visitors a broader view of Itema rapier and air-jet weaving technologies.