#Research & Development

2019-05-02

Detergenttests in the course of time

When it comes to the quality of detergent and cleaning products, one aspect is of paramount importance: do the substances ensure perfect cleanliness? Hohenstein has reliably carried out detergent tests for more than 50 yearsnow, thus makinga significant contribution to ensuring that the quality of detergents and washing agents is very hightoday.

After more than 30 years, Hohenstein is now saying goodbye to the established head of detergent testing, Roswitha Hild, as she retires. Dr Eva Gierling will now take over as her successor from 01/05/2019.

A lot has happened in the detergent market over the past 30 years. Amongst other things, Hohenstein has developed alternatives to the very time-consuming wash and weartests, which havea duration of 22 weeks and thus represents a costly factor for the manufacturers. New products also posed new challenges for the testing facilities. “In 1992, colour detergents entered the market as powder detergents,” remembers Roswitha Hild. “We had to develop new test procedures as, unlike heavy-duty detergents, they also contain an additive to prevent bleeding.”

Internationalisation has also increased significantly in recent years: when it comes to detergent tests, many customers, including global customers such as Dalli Werke, Mifa and Chemolux Germany, have relied on the expertise of Hohenstein for decades.

Dr Gerling is a graduate chemist and has worked for Hohenstein since 2010. She knows the industry: “Our customer structure is slow to change -once someone has worked with us, they often stay for decades.”

Hohenstein’s specialists still test the performance of products with tests of household laundry technology. By conducting comparative detergent tests, Hohenstein ensures improved market transparency, which both consumers as well as retailers and manufacturers expect today. In this regard, practical organisation of the test conditions and the inclusion of current standards and guidelines are particularly important.

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.