#Research & Development

2020-06-11

New Hohenstein Quality Label for tested community masks

Oronasal (community) masks are mandatory in many communities to help contain the coronavirus. To be effective, community masks must meet legal and functional requirements.Testing services provider and research partner Hohenstein developed the Hohenstein Quality Label for Tested Community Masksto meet and verify these needs.

While not required to guarantee defined protective functions like medical face masks or FFP respirators, disposable and reusable community masks are stillsubject to functional claims. By providing easily understood product information on labels, Hohenstein supports producers in increasing transparency for community mask users.

Breathing comfort is a key criterion for consumers.To meet quality criteria, standardized test procedures verify whether the material used istoo dense and will make breathing difficult for wearers. Further quality parameters include washability, proper fit and compliance with legal requirements.

The quality criteria claimed on the label canbe expanded by testingfor harmful substances according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® as an indicator for skin friendly textiles and acytotoxicity test based on the testing of medical devices.

More detailed information can be found at www.hohenstein.com/hql-community-masks.

The Hohenstein Quality Label for Tested Community Masks makes product quality and longevity of products visible. © 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.

25 years of medical devices: ITVP combines experience with innovation

ITV Denkendorf Produktservice GmbH (ITVP) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. On October 1, 2001, ITVP was founded as a subsidiary of the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF), Europe’s largest textile research center. This spin-off company made it possible to consolidate expertise in medical technology and significantly expand production, which had previously been initiated mostly in the DITF’s cleanrooms.

An eco-friendly alternative to fluorocarbon treatments

Protective and outdoor clothing derives its durable water-, dirt- and oil- repellent properties from the application of fluorinated polymers or per- and polyfluorinated low-molecular- weight chemicals (PFCs). The beneficial properties thus achieved on textiles are offset by environmental and human health risks. For manufacturers of sports, medical, protective and automotive textiles, researchers at the Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. and the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research have developed liquid-applied dispersions and solutions to functionalise textiles without the use of fluorine.

180 years of TESTEX: From Zurich silk testing to global certification

For 180 years, TESTEX has developed alongside the textile industry while maintaining the same underlying purpose: creating trust through independent and reliable measurement. Founded in Zurich in 1846 as the Zurich Silk Conditioning Institute, TESTEX has grown from a local institution serving the silk trade into an international Swiss testing and certification institute for textiles and leather.

Brazilian market leader Cedro Têxtil focuses on greater efficiency, sustainability, and product quality with Brückner

After more than 150 years of company history, Cedro Têxtil is once again embracing the challenges of a changing industry. Widely recognized as the largest manufacturer of workwear fabrics in Latin America, the Brazilian textile company continues to invest in the modernization of its production facilities. A key milestone in this process was the decision to install a state-of-the-art Brückner stenter frame just over a year ago.

The Or Foundation, adidas, BESTSELLER, H&M Group, and Inditex launch Apparel Recovery Coalition, responding to impacts of post-consumer textile exports

adidas, BESTSELLER, H&M Group, Inditex and The Or Foundation, with support from Circle Economy, unveiled the Apparel Recovery Coalition (ARC). The coalition will explore how producer responsibility systems can support circular pathways such as reuse, upcycling, recycling, and responsible waste management in countries that receive large volumes of exported secondhand apparel.

Officina39 and Gold Girl Co. explore unconventional materials in denim at Kingpins Amsterdam

Officina39 and Gold Girl Co. will present their experimental collaboration “Renegade Renaissance” at Kingpins Amsterdam on October 14–15, 2026. The project brings together the creative direction of Marta and Glenda Goldschmied, founders of Gold Girl Co., with Officina39's expertise in textile chemistry and material development.