#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.

Textile Exchange reports growth in certifications and industry engagement

Textile Exchange has published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting continued growth in certified sites, industry participation and the development of its standards and membership structure. According to the report, more than 100,000 sites worldwide are now certified to Textile Exchange standards, more than three times the number recorded in 2020. Preliminary figures also indicate 12% year-on-year growth across the organization's current standards, including the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and the Responsible Animal Fiber standards.

More patterns, less effort: the MULTI-MATIC® at Rohleder

Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

BASF opens global diaper and superabsorbents performance lab in Mumbai

BASF has officially inaugurated its new Performance Lab for diapers and superabsorbents (SAP) in Mumbai on August 18, 2026, which will provide technical and application services to superabsorbent customers globally. The new lab of BASF’s Hygiene Solutions business has been established in less than a year and is part of BASF’s Innovation Campus Asia Pacific in Mumbai, BASF’s second largest R&D site in Asia Pacific established in 2017 under BASF Chemicals India Private Limited.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.