#Sustainability

2022-12-08

Shoes with that certain something

The LOWA model LADY LIGHT GTX has been awarded the OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD certificate. © LOWA

LOWA, one of the leading outdoor shoe specialists, and the testing service provider Hohenstein are entering new territory together: the LOWA model LADY LIGHT GTX has been awarded the OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD certificate.

Pilot project LOWA and Hohenstein: First certification of footwear according to OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD

"The successful certification is a milestone for us: testing for harmful substances in textiles has long been common practice, but testing for harmful substances in footwear still has a lot of room to grow," notes Ivonne Schramm, Head of OEKO-TEX® at Hohenstein, "Yet they make a lot of sense, because leather shoes are often worn for long periods of time and, unlike textiles, they cannot be washed despite their long service life." This makes it all the more important that shoes made of leather do not contain any harmful substances - especially since they consist of many different components. Each individual component from different production stages, such as tanning or dyeing, represents a possible source of input for harmful substances. Reason enough for LOWA to take action here: "We are very pleased about the certification, which stands for the core values of our brand - highest quality, perfect fit and innovation," says Alexander Nicolai, Managing Director of LOWA Sportschuhe GmbH, "Our customers can expect products of the highest standard from us - in the future, this will also include the reliable safety of a LEATHER STANDARD certification."

The successfully completed pilot project creates a Win-Win situation for everyone: In the future, LOWA plans to have further shoe lines certified by Hohenstein according to the OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD step by step in the interests of consumer protection. In return, Hohenstein has succeeded in significantly expanding its expertise beyond purely textile concerns by certifying footwear according to the OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD.

The OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD certificate for footwear is only issued if all components comply with the required criteria of the LEATHER STANDARD RSL (Restricted Substances List) without exception. © Hohenstein

Detailed information about the OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD specifically for footwear can be found here:

http://www.hohenstein.com/leather-standard-for-footwear

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.

Arc'teryx introduces System 0™, a new framework for the future of product design and circularity

Arc'teryx Equipment, the global design company specializing in technical high-performance apparel and equipment, today introduced System 0™, a new framework that reimagines how products can be designed, manufactured, used, repaired, and ultimately regenerated. System 0 represents the next evolution for sustainability in the outdoor industry, as it embeds circular thinking across an entire product lifecycle while maintaining the uncompromising performance standards that define the Arc’teryx brand.

Action Cohort: Textile Exchange’s new initiative designed to help scale preferred production systems

Textile Exchange has published new guidance to help brands and retailers participating in its Action Cohort prepare for upcoming reporting and target-setting requirements. Earlier this year, the organization evolved its membership to create more action-oriented pathways, designed to accelerate progress toward scaling preferred production systems that create beneficial impacts and resilient supply chains and livelihoods.

WHILL selects Teijin’s tough, lightweight Carbon Fiber Composite for new last-mile mobility

Teijin Limited announced today that WHILL Inc., a global leader in inclusive mobility technology, has selected Sereebo® P CFP series, a carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) material, for key structural components of the upcoming WHILL Model C Lite. Sereebo® P CFP series provides high strength, light weight, design flexibility and system cost advantages to the Model C Lite, which is a battery powered, single-seat, last-mile device. This new model combines maneuverability with light weight and one-handed folding to ensure ease of handling and operation.

Coats Digital launches AI-powered GSD RealMotion for motion analysis

Coats Digital has launched GSD RealMotion, an AI-powered solution designed to provide apparel manufacturers with greater visibility into factory-floor operations. By analysing shop-floor video and applying Coats Digital’s GSD methodology, the solution turns video recordings into structured, motion-by-motion method studies.

Archroma and Lameirinho partner in pioneering deployment of InOneGO single-step dyeing

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, and Lameirinho, a leading home textiles manufacturer based in Portugal, are collaborating to bring InOneGO by Archroma, a new single-step dyeing process, into commercial production. Lameirinho’s first InOneGo bedlinens collection is now available worldwide.