#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 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 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.

Teijin Carbon Europe receives EcoVadis Silver status – ranked among the top 15% of evaluated companies

Teijin Carbon Europe (TCE) has been recognized for its sustainability performance and has been awarded the EcoVadis Silver Medal in the latest assessment. In its first-ever EcoVadis evaluation, the company achieved a notable 72 out of 100 points, ranking among the top 15% of all companies evaluated worldwide, within the “Manufacture of Man-Made Fibres” category.

The region of renewable raw materials: Central German Alliance for Bioplastics

The development of sustainable plastic solutions is rapidly gaining importance in light of global environ- mental pollution, dwindling fossil resources and ambitious climate protection targets. As part of the re- gional alliance RUBIO, which brings together 18 partners from central Germany and the Berlin-Branden- burg area, the bio-based and biodegradable plastic polybutylene succinate (PBS) was comprehensively investigated, starting with the raw material, through the manufacturing process, to industrial application.

Mimaki demonstrates versatile, simple TRAPIS textile printing at Heimtextil 2026

Mimaki’s textile pigment transfer printing system, TRAPIS, is able to print on a diverse range of fabrics - unlike traditional processes - including natural fibres and synthetic fabrics. The full solution will be shown on Mimaki’s booth (Hall 3.0 Stand A97), as the company returns to Heimtextil to showcase its advancements in sustainable, high quality and efficient textile printing.

The Technology Hub for global denim trends: ITM 2026

The ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, to be held at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul from June 9–13, 2026, brings together groundbreaking technologies in denim production. From smart production systems to eco-friendly raw materials, from digital washing solutions to laser effect technologies, innovations that will shape the future of denim will be showcased for the first time at ITM 2026.

38th International Cotton Conference Bremen: Let´s Talk about Cotton!

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen, to be held on 25-27 March 2026 in Bremen’s parliament building on market square, once again sends a powerful signal for professional excellence and international dialogue. The focus is on the latest market trends and technical innovations throughout the entire value chain – from agriculture and quality assurance to processing and the circular economy. With its high-calibre speakers, the conference remains an indispensable forum for anyone involved in shaping the cotton industry scientifically, technically, or economically.