Ecology and health

The subjects of sustainability and health are two social megatrends which are becoming increasingly important even within the textile and clothing sectors. In view of diminishing resources and an ageing world population, ecologically produced textile products and medical textiles are making a decisive contribution to an improved environmental balance, greater life quality and optimum medical care.

In the area of textile ecology the Hohenstein Institute, as a founder member of the International OEKO-TEX® Association has been offering interested manufacturers since 1992 the certification of textiles tested for harmful substances according to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 as well as certification of environmentally friendly and socially acceptable industrial premises according to OEKO-TEX® Standard 1000 an.

In medicine, textiles can assume functions which no other material exhibits. Our specialists are therefore developing innovative applications for healthcare which are opening up new possibilities in the areas of therapy, diagnosis and prevention – for example in the treatment of wounds using drug-delivery systems which release therapeutic agents in a controlled manner, or within the scope of tissue engineering which uses textiles as formers or cell carriers for the regeneration of tissue or organs.

At the same time we use our extensive testing services to support manufacturers of medical products and biofunctional textiles in order to optimise and market your articles. Standardised as well as custom-made testing systemsare available which reliably verify both the effectiveness and the safety of textiles for medical applications and which may be awarded the Hohenstein quality label. The product features which can be tested include, for example, the barrier effect of OP textiles, the impermeability of mattress covers and encasings to mites, the damaging effect to cells as well as the irritation and allergy potential of textiles. As well as aspects such as enviromental compatibility of technical textiles and clothing, the determination of the eco-toxicological properties of textiles with nanoparticulate equipment as well as anti-microbial activity.

Further information:

The Hohenstein quality label provides information about the climate for which the bedding is suitable, the degree of thermal insulation and which criteria were tested.
Testing textiles for harmful substances
Environmentally friendly textile production
To test fastness, the fabric samples are wetted with artificial sweat and saliva solutions.
Eco-Passport
Textile UV protection
The measurement of compression is done in according to RAL-GZ 387 and speedy tests in conjunction with DIN 58133. A accurate preparation like the marking of measurement positions on ankle bandages is important.
Medical textiles and medical safety of textiles
The Hohenstein quality label provides information about the climate for which the bedding is suitable, the degree of thermal insulation and which criteria were tested.
"Skin friendly" quality label
The Hohenstein quality label provides information about the climate for which the bedding is suitable, the degree of thermal insulation and which criteria were tested.
"Allergy friendly" quality label
The Hohenstein quality label provides information about the climate for which the bedding is suitable, the degree of thermal insulation and which criteria were tested.
"Environmentally compatible" quality label
The Hohenstein quality label provides information about the climate for which the bedding is suitable, the degree of thermal insulation and which criteria were tested.
"Effective against mites" quality label