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#Research & Development

Hohenstein advances textile sustainability with microfiber analysis.

Hohenstein has completed the development of its new method for analysing microfibreshedding from textiles. Using dynamic image analysis, the method quantifies shedding behavior and reveals previously unattainable data with practical implications for material development throughout the supply chain.

The new method is the result of four years of research at Hohenstein, published in anarticleby lead scientistJasmin Haap. The research team developed, refined and validated an analytical method that goes beyond current approaches of measuring the shedded mass to quantify fibre count, length, diameter and shape.

Further analysis can reveal the distribution of these attributes and even generate separate results for cellulosic fibres (e.g. cotton) and non-cellulosic fibres (e.g. polyester). This analysis is currently available exclusively through Hohenstein.

With this level of detail, researchers can now quantify in more detail which types of fibre and material constructions contribute most to microfibre release, leading to informed decisions in development of more sustainable textiles that shed less

With this level of detail, researchers can now quantify in more detail which types of fibre and material constructions contribute most to microfibre release, leading to informed decisions in development of more sustainable textiles that shed less.Synthetic microfibres are tiny pieces of plastic released into water during mechanical stress, particularly washing. Wastewater containing microfibres eventually flows through sewage into larger bodies of water.

Along the way, synthetic microfibres attract harmful substances and pollutants from the environment, thus being able to reach sea life and entering the food chains of larger sea life and even humans. Dynamic image analysis of wastewater is non-destructive, allowing additional tests, such as filtration, to be performed for further analysis.

Filtration, the most common method to date, involves filtering the wastewater from textile laundering, then weighing the remaining particles.In November 2019, Hohenstein joined the Microfibre Consortium (TMC)as a contributing research member.

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#Research & Development

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.

#Research & Development

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.

#Research & Development

A smarter way to verified Chemical Compliance

Hohenstein and GoBlu Drive Innovation in Sustainable Supply Chain Management As regulatory demands, customer expectations, and sustainability goals continue to grow, the ability to manage chemical compliance and data across complex supply chains has become critical. Hohenstein and The BHive® by GoBlu are initiating a strategic partnership to enhance chemical management in the textile sector. The collaboration delivers more than just a service – it provides an integrated, future-ready solution for brands, manufacturers and suppliers seeking trusted chemical management and credible sustainability.

#Research & Development

Hohenstein achieves GLP Certification for Medical Device Testing

Since the middle of July, the testing service provider Hohenstein has been certified to conduct medical device testing in accordance with the internationally recognised Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standard. This certification comprehensively covers chemical, physical and biological safety testing of medical devices.

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Fraunhofer IAP paves the way for "Green" carbon fibers

A new pilot plant in Guben is set to enable the production of bio-based carbon fibers. The plant is part of the Carbon Lab Factory Lausitz and will make an important contribution to the transformation of the Lausitz region—from a traditionally raw material- and basic industry-oriented region to a hub for innovative high-performance materials. The German federal government and the state of Brandenburg are providing the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP with 53.3 million euros for this purpose.

#Research & Development

Hof University develops sustainable textile coating for the fashion of tomorrow from mushrooms

Clothing is often treated as disposable: T-shirts for events, general merchandise, or short-term campaigns frequently end up in the trash after only a few uses. This is particularly problematic given that their production still largely relies on fossil-based materials. This is precisely where a new research project at Hof University of Applied Sciences comes in.

#Research & Development

Textilfabrik 7.0 launched: Mönchengladbach becomes a real-world lab for sustainable textile production

With the official kick-off event of the Textilfabrik 7.0 (T7), a major transformation project for the German textile and apparel industry has been launched in the Monforts Quarter in Mönchengladbach. At the “Textile Roundtable,” an event format organized by the Zukunftsagentur Rheinisches Revier, representatives from industry, research, politics, and the regional economy came together to jointly lay the foundation for CO₂-neutral, circular, and economically viable textile production in Germany.

#Techtextil 2026

STFI presents concepts for the textile circular economy and solutions for a healthy and safe life at Techtextil

Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) has been supporting companies in developing marketable innovations for over 30 years. With a clear focus on sustainability, the environment, health and protection, the STFI offers future-oriented research, textile testing for tailor-made solutions and certification of per- sonal protective equipment. At Techtextil 2026, the institute will present ideas for the textile circular econ- omy and showcase solutions for healthy and safe living.

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#Techtextil 2026

LineONE – Smart performance, smart investment at Techtextil 2026

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt (April 21–24, Hall 12, Booth C79), AUTEFA Solutions will present its LineONE concepts for cost-efficient nonwoven production. As a full-line supplier for nonwoven production lines, AUTEFA Solutions covers the entire process chain – from fibre opening through to web bonding. With its LineONE line concepts, the company combines proven technologies into well-balanced, cost-efficient turnkey solutions. These concepts are designed for capacity expansions, modernisation projects and new production lines, offering robust design and high flexibility for applications such as filtration, geotextiles and automotive.

#Europe

EU and Australia strengthen relations with Security and Defence Partnership and Trade Agreement

The EU and Australia have today announced the adoption of a groundbreaking Security and Defence Partnership. They have also concluded negotiations for an ambitious and balanced free trade agreement (FTA) and agreed to launch formal negotiations for the association of Australia to Horizon Europe, the world's largest funding programme for research and innovation. With these steps, the EU and Australia are delivering mutually beneficial outcomes and further reinforcing their already close relations in a time of geopolitical uncertainty.

#Technical Textiles

DuPont introduces Tyvek® APX™ 400 protective coverall, setting a new benchmark for extreme breathability

DuPont (NYSE:DD) announced the launch of the Tyvek® APX™ 400 protective coverall, the first in a new generation of extremely breathable disposable chemical protection garments. Manufactured using DuPont™ Tyvek® APX™ groundbreaking fabric, the new garment combines 360° protection and durability with extreme breathability, taking worker comfort and safety to a whole new level.

#Spinning

Graf at EXINTEX – Strengthening presence in Latin America

Graf successfully participated in EXINTEX, one of the leading textile exhibitions in Latin America, together with its local agent Eurotecnica. The exhibition provided an excellent platform to engage with customers, partners and industry experts across the region.

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