#Sustainability

2026-05-07

A new standard to combat plastic waste in forests

With DIN SPEC 35808, Hohenstein establishes testing standards for biodegradable tree shelters

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.

In forestry practice, tree shelters are widely used to protect young trees during their establishment phase. At the same time, however, a growing environmental concern is emerging: many plastic shelters remain in the soil after use and can break down into macro- and microplastics over time. Ambiguous definitions of “biodegradable” further add to the uncertainty in practice. Under what conditions does complete degradation occur—only in industrial composting facilities, or also under real conditions in forest soils? And when can removal of the shelters be safely omitted?

Binding criteria and a transparent framework

“The challenge is to develop materials that are sufficiently durable to reliably protect young trees while also being fully biodegradable,” explains Mihaela Szegedi, Project Manager at Hohenstein. “Our testing methods allow us to specifically identify such materials.” This is where DIN SPEC 35808 comes in: it establishes binding criteria and standardized testing procedures for tree shelters designed to fully biodegrade under realistic forest conditions. The aim is to create a transparent and reliable basis for sustainable product decisions. Hohenstein contributes its extensive research and testing expertise in the field of biodegradation. The testing procedures include analyses of bio-based content, harmful substances, biodegradability under forest conditions, and ecotoxicity. To ensure realistic conditions, real forest soils are used, defined in collaboration with forestry authorities.

Greater guidance for users and manufacturers

DIN SPEC 35808 is aimed at both forest owners and forestry operations, as well as manufacturers of tree shelters. For users, it provides a reliable basis for decision-making, as tested products can be demonstrably converted into natural components without leaving behind microplastics or harmful substances. At the same time, manufacturers benefit from clear testing and quality criteria for developing sustainable solutions and can position certified products more visibly in the market. With this new DIN SPEC, Hohenstein makes an important contribution to reducing macro- and microplastics in forest ecosystems. The goal is to establish materials that do not require removal after use because they biodegrade naturally—thereby strengthening the long-term protection of soils, plants, 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.

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.

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.

Execs help steer Cascale’s consumer goods agenda in Athens

The 2026 Cascale Annual Meeting, taking place September 15–17 in Athens, Greece, will convene leaders from across the global consumer goods value chain to tackle one of the industry’s defining questions: how to accelerate meaningful, system-wide transformation. Guiding those conversations as this year’s co-chairs are Sean Cady, vice president, global sustainability, responsibility, trade, and government affairs at VF Corporation, and Dr. Delman Lee, vice chair at TAL Apparel Limited.

SAITEX reports efficiency gains and greater transparency in 2025 Impact Report

Vietnam-based denim manufacturer SAITEX has published its 2025 Impact Report, documenting progress in resource efficiency, chemical management, digital traceability and knowledge sharing across its manufacturing operations in Vietnam and the United States. Rather than focusing on sustainability ambitions, the report presents operational data, manufacturing developments and lessons learned from the past year.

Cotton Brazil Dialogues 2026 concludes with 50 international participants immersed in Brazilian cotton production

The Cotton Brazil Dialogues concludes its 2026 edition after a series of technical visits to farms, cotton gins and reference centers, as well as workshops focused on Brazilian cotton production. A total of 50 participants from 14 countries took part in the field trips. The initiative is led by the Brazilian Association of Cotton Growers (Abrapa) and the National Association of Cotton Exporters (Anea), with support from the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).

Novel flame-retardant and recyclable fiber-reinforced composite

Airplanes and passenger trains must meet strict safety requirements, including fire safety standards. This calls for materials that are flame-retardant, lightweight, robust, and scalable. Empa researchers, in collaboration with their industry partner Elantas, have now succeeded for the first time in making such a material – a composite – fully recyclable.

ZymoChem secures $4 million in renewed federal funding to advance U.S. biomanufacturing of critical materials and their supply chains

ZymoChem, the specialty chemicals company dedicated to bringing decarbonization, sustainability, and supply chain resiliency to the chemical industry through innovative biological manufacturing, today announced the resumption and expansion of its federal research portfolio. The company has been notified that previously paused work under a $5 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program is officially back on, to be joined by continuing collaborations with three of the nation's premier national laboratories.