#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.

Kick-off for the Textile Production of the Future: Establishment of a Textile Technology and Development Centre in Mönchengladbach, Germany

The Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University, together with its partners, is pleased to announce that it has received approval for its joint initiative, ‘Textile Factory 7.0’. The goal of the project is the establishment of a technology and development centre for the textile industry in Mönchengladbach.

Exchange data between textile companies openly, securely and cost-effectively without a central platform – ITA makes it possible

The Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University has launched a new demonstrator for an open and secure data space in the textile industry at the Digital Innovation Centre Europe (DICE). For the first time, the demonstrator shows directly and clearly how companies can share their data securely with each other without the need for a central platform. Data exchange is based on shared, freely usable technical foundations.

Sustainable athletic wear made from bio-based Polyethylene

Conventional sports textiles made from petroleum-based synthetic fibres are to be replaced in the future by sustainable, bio-based, cooling textiles. Polyethylene, previously used mainly in the packaging industry, is thus qualified for use in textiles and, as a bio-based drop-in solution, offers a cost-effective, sustainable alternative for the future.

FITA, ABIT and EURATEX underline strategic importance of Mercosur – EU Partnership Agreement for the textile and apparel industry

The Argentine Textile Industry Federation (FITA), the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT), and the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) continue to monitor the process of internalizing the Mercosur-European Union Partnership Agreement. This agreement is essential for the competitiveness of our industries, on both sides of the Atlantic.

Durak Tekstil to showcase its innovations for mattress industry at ISPA EXPO 2026

Durak Tekstil threads that meet the standards required for high-quality, long-lasting and comfortable products demanded by the mattress industry, while also offering new possibilities, will be exhibited at ISPA EXPO 2026. The fact that the fair is being held in the U.S.—one of Durak Tekstil’s key target markets—also carries great significance.