#Sustainability

2020-06-25

Beyond MRSL conformance: Hohenstein and Scivera collaborate on pathway to verified, greener chemical formulations

Hohenstein and Scivera have streamlined the process for chemical suppliers to assess and validate preferred chemicals and to proactively improve formulations to ZDHC MRSL conformance level 3 and beyond for apparel, footwear and home textiles.

The collaboration integrates software, certification and analytical testing to enable suppliers to improve and verify greener formulations. Brands taking action to move beyond MRSL compliance, including Levi Strauss & Co., will benefit from meeting ZDHC goals along with verified greener chemistries they can trust.

“Progressive brands and chemical suppliers are showing strong leadership that will positively impact our industry, consumer safety and the environment,” John Frazier, senior technical director at Hohenstein, said. “This is a systems approach to achieve then move beyond MRSL compliance to verified, greener chemistry.”

Engaging with Hohenstein or Scivera as their lead service provider, chemical suppliers can take advantage of the streamlined process to meet greener chemistry requirements for a growing number of brands. Formulations certified with Screened Chemistry through Scivera and conforming to ZDHC MRSL level 3 through ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® with Hohenstein can go beyond level 3 by assessing and verifying greener attributes.

“Greener chemistry means formulating and using chemistries that have verified, preferred characteristics to create safer conditions for workers, consumers and the environment. When applied together, the powerful tools offered by Hohenstein and Scivera remove barriers, enable continuous improvement and make greener chemistry attainable,” Joe Rinkevich, President at Scivera, said.

Hohenstein offers the ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® certification to manage and verify chemicals, dyes and auxiliaries. Following RSL/MRSL screening, analytical testing, feedback and assessments, certified chemicals are listed in the OEKO-TEX® Buying Guide and pushed to the ZDHC Chemical Gateway at MRSL conformance levels 1, 2 or 3.

Scivera offers its globally accessible platform, SciveraLENS®, to support their Screened Chemistry Scoring and Certification for hazard assessment of formulation ingredients and impurities. Through the platform, users evaluate the characteristics of individual chemicals and formulations for sourcing and formulation decisions and preview these results to improve scores and avoid regrettable chemical substitutions.

For more information, go to

Hohenstein.US/GreenerChemistry or

Scivera.com/GreenerChemistry.

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.

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.

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.

Global Standard gGmbH launches second public consultation for GRTS Draft 2 for the textile industry (1–30 April 2026)

Global Standard gGmbH is pleased to announce the release of Draft 2 of the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) for its second public consultation. The consultation will be open from 1 April 2026 to 30 April 2026, inviting stakeholders across the textile and apparel value chain to provide input and contribute to the further development of this new Standard.

Textile Exchange publishes cotton Life Cycle Assessment study to strengthen impact data

Textile Exchange has published the first in a series of seven Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies designed to improve the quality and robustness of environmental impact data for raw material production across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. The first LCA study focuses on cotton and addresses critical data gaps and methodology variability through new high-quality data across key producing countries. The study includes organic, regenerative, recycled, and country averages for conventional cotton production systems, providing a clearer picture of the associated environmental impact.

Experts publish APAC policy priorities

Cascale today announced the publication of its APAC Policy Priorities Paper, developed by the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Policy Member Expert Team (MET) to identify key regional sustainability challenges and provide practical, aligned recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders across Asia-Pacific.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.