#Sustainability

2022-12-21

OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS certification

Georg Dieners (Secretary General of the OEKO-TEX® Association) and Michael Möller (Division Manager Audits & Certification at Hohenstein) hand over the first OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS certificate to the successful pilot customer Weitblick. © Hohenstein

On December 14, 2022, Hohenstein was able to hand over the first certification certificate for OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS to its pilot customer Weitblick GmbH & Co. KG. The certification was introduced by OEKO-TEX® in November 2022 and thus supports companies in the textile and leather industry in the implementation of human rights and environmental due diligence obligations. The contribution to achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement is another optional component.

Pilot customer Weitblick is the first company to receive the new certification

"We are delighted that Weitblick is setting a leading example," emphasizes Michael Möller, Head of Audits and Certifications at Hohenstein. "We are also encouraging companies that have not yet taken such a close look at their supply chain. The topic of the Supply Chain Duty of Care Act will come up for everyone." In addition, certification should give companies advantages in public tenders, since the requirements are comparable to those of the Green Button, except for the material specifications.

Weitblick inspires their customers with design-oriented workwear. The clothing is available for rent through long-standing partners in textile services or can be ordered in the Weitblick Online Shop as well as through direct sales. ©Weitblick

Isabelle Ilori-King, shareholder at Weitblick, explains, "After OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN certification, OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS is the logical next step for us towards a sustainable future. The certification is demanding, but it is worth it." To drive sustainability forward, Weitblick has set up a cross-departmental task force.

Only large companies that have a reporting obligation to the government are directly affected by the new supply chain law. However, small companies within the supply chain will often have to provide information to their large customers.

OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS supports companies in the textile and leather industry in the implementation of human rights and environmental due diligence obligations. © Hohenstein

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.

Updated supply chain taxonomy advances apparel alignment

The apparel alliance (Apparel Impact Institute, Cascale, Textile Exchange, and ZDHC Foundation) today announced the launch of Version 2 of the Supply Chain Taxonomy, an updated harmonized framework designed to improve consistency, transparency, and collaboration across the textile, clothing, leather, and footwear (TCLF) sectors of the broader apparel industry.

Indovinya advances sustainable solutions with agreement for the supply of renewable Oxygen from Air Liquide

Indovinya, the specialty chemicals and surfactants division of Indorama Ventures, has entered into an agreement with Air Liquide — a world leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare — for the supply of renewable oxygen. The agreement represents a strategic advancement in Indovinya’s commitment to sustainability, as it increases the share of renewable raw materials in the production of ethylene oxide, one of its key products.

C&S strengthens its governance to support its evolution

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.

Industrial scale meets verified governance: RE&UP is now B Corp™ certified

RE&UP, the circular-tech transforming global textile waste into high-volume Next-Gen materials, has officially become a Certified B Corporation™. The milestone establishes the industrial recycler among a select group of manufacturing infrastructure providers verified as meeting B Lab Standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.