#Research & Development

2025-03-27

Hohenstein releases 2024 sustainability report

Responsible action is a defining value for Hohenstein, a global testing and research provider. Their 2024 Sustainability Report provides transparency through documented progress and detailed insights into how sustainability is embedded. It covers both the existing sustainability measures at the German headquarters and the company's goals for 2025 and beyond. The direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3) of all its locations worldwide were recorded for the first time.

The 2024 sustainability report covers both the existing sustainability measures at the German headquarters and the company's goals for 2025 and beyond. The direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3) of all its locations worldwide were recorded for the first time. © Hohenstein

Hohenstein sees ecological, social and economic sustainability as success factors for the future and has taken important action over the past year:

Environmental: In addition to a new combined heat and power plant, the photovoltaic system was installed at the headquarters. An environmental team and the newly appointed environmental officer are supporting the introduction of the environmental management system in accordance with EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme). Future reduction targets and measures will be developed based on the greenhouse gas emissions recorded comprehensively for the first time.

Social: Through support, training and transparent exchange, Hohenstein is working to implement respectful cooperation with all of the global employees. The balance of work and private life also remains a focus. An internal satisfaction survey shows that 85% of employees are satisfied or very satisfied with Hohenstein as an employer. Most of the improvements that employees suggested in the survey have been implemented.

Corporate Governance: Hohenstein management creates a motivating work environment by promoting autonomy, meaning and expertise. Regular colloquia and HR consultations were expanded to include additional formats for communicating with management and increase the exchange. The Sustainable Development team was expanded.

Hohenstein has been implementing various measures to protect the environment and conserve resources for decades. This was confirmed by external KEFF+Check in 2024. Next year, the high level is to be further optimized as part of the EMAS introduction. “Sustainability and the responsible use of our planet's resources are a matter of course for us,” explains CEO Dr. Stefan Droste. “The increasing number of extreme weather events around the world clearly shows that every individual is called upon to contribute to safeguarding our common future. For this reason, environmental and climate protection is a top priority at Hohenstein.”

The family-owned company wants to take responsibility, not only in its own sustainable actions, but also as a reliable partner for its customers: “2024 was characterized by new regulations; in the EU alone, numerous directives were adopted, but in some cases their introduction was postponed and their content is still being finalized,” explains Katja Hetzer, Sustainability Development Manager at Hohenstein. “We support our clients in developing a solid strategic direction and selecting suitable measures. Thanks to our expertise in various specialist areas, we cover many aspects, not only for the fulfilment of corporate due diligence obligations, but also for sustainable product development.”

Click here for the Sustainability Report 2024

https://www.hohenstein.com/en/about-hohenstein/corporate-responsibility/sustainability-report

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.

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.

Hohenstein supports Global Textile Scheme Initiative

Global testing and research provider Hohenstein has acquired shares in Global Textile Scheme GmbH (GTS). In this way, Hohenstein aims to support GTS in harmonizing and automating data exchange along the entire supply chain. The aim of the GTS initiative is to create an international standard for handling structured product data in the textile and apparel industry.

Hohenstein and DuPont are developing innovative tests for ballistic protective vests

Testing laboratory Hohenstein and DuPont have collaborated to develop three innovative and reliable test methods for soft ballistic inserts. Maximizing the comfort and mobility of body armour, such as bulletproof vests, is key to the performance and endurance for law enforcement and military personnel. The new methods address the disconnect in existing tests with real body movements and positions.

Panty liners prevent bacterial vaginosis

Worldwide, almost one third of women of childbearing age suffer from bacterial vaginosis. This is when the sensitive microbiome of the vagina becomes unbalanced. Such a disorder of the vaginal flora can cause urogenital infections, abscesses on the ovaries or fallopian tubes or premature births. This significantly increases the risk of infertility in women and of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or HIV.

Aachen Summer School: Strengthening German-Korean cooperation in 4D and robotics

The Aachen Summer School has established itself as an important platform for promoting cooperation between RWTH Aachen University and Seoul National University. The focus is on practice-oriented research projects in the field of 4D and robotics technologies, which have been successfully implemented for years at the Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University.

Knitex Industries Ltd. (Mondol Group) invests in advanced Mahlo technology

Bangladesh’s Knittex Industries Ltd. is known for its commitment to top-quality knitwear and responsible produc-tion. To further enhance fabric quality, the company has invested in a Mahlo Orthopac RVMC-15 weft straightener. Installed by Tootal Quality Resources, the system ensures perfect fabric alignment and supports Knittex’s goal of continuous improvement.

Room for more: experience brand diversity at Heimtextil 2026

Interior designers are planners, craftspeople, consultants and designers all at once. Many of them work alone or in small teams - under high time pressure, with a clear goal: to design rooms that are harmonious down to the last detail. This makes it all the more important to have offerings that provide guidance, open up new perspectives and support the development of holistic solutions. Heimtextil 2026, taking place from 13 to 16 January in Frankfurt, offers exactly that: a newly structured hall concept that enables targeted comparisons, saves time and provides valuable inspiration for consulting practice.

EFI and Fiery, LLC, reach agreement on Fiery acquisition of Inèdit software

Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (EFI™) today announced that it has signed an agreement for Fiery, LLC, to acquire all interests in Inèdit Software, the leading RIP and color management software company serving all brands of digital textile printers worldwide. Inèdit’s software products, including neoStampa, neoTextil and neoCatalog, serve the digital textile and specialty printing markets, and will enable Fiery to broaden its suite of solutions targeted at those markets. EFI Reggiani will continue its strong working relationship with Inèdit as an OEM partner.