BOENNIGHEIM, Germany (February 4, 2026) – Hohenstein, an independent testing and research provider, is marking its 80th anniversary, underscoring its long-standing role in supporting product safety, sustainability and regulatory readiness for manufacturers and brands worldwide.
Founded in 1946, Hohenstein provides testing, certification and research services for textiles, hardlines and medical devices. With laboratories and offices in more than 50 countries, the organization supports customers from production through market as regulatory requirements and expectations for product safety and sustainability continue to grow. Hohenstein now employs more than 1,500 people worldwide and operates accredited laboratories in six countries, with offices in more than 50 countries.
Hohenstein is currently led by CEOs Stefan Droste and Timo Hammer, supported by a family advisory board. In 2025, longtime managing director Stefan Mecheels transitioned operational leadership to this executive team.
“In 2025, I deliberately entrusted the management of Hohenstein to people whom my family and I deeply trust,” said Stefan Mecheels. “After 80 years, Hohenstein continues to stand for continuity and responsibility while embracing innovation.”
Under the current leadership team, Hohenstein has expanded its portfolio beyond textiles to include hardlines and medical devices. The expansion reflects rising regulatory requirements and growing expectations for product safety and sustainability across global markets. Hohenstein supports customers through testing, certification and market-entry services across these product categories.
“For us, excellence means more than meeting standards,” said Stefan Droste, CEO. “Our testing and certifications are designed to create confidence among our partners and the people who use the products. Everything we do is driven by one goal: contributing to a future worth living.”
Hohenstein is actively involved in the OEKO-TEX® Association, standardization committees, the development of new testing methods and research into sustainable processes.
“We are continuously evolving, both technologically and as an organization,” said Timo Hammer, CEO. “Care and integrity form the foundation of our work. Our growth in medical devices and hardlines demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary expertise. Our ambition goes beyond technical excellence. We take responsibility – for tested products, for their users and for a future that affects us all.”
Background
Hohenstein was founded by Otto Mecheels as a research organization focused on textiles and clothing physiology. From the outset, the organization combined scientific research with interdisciplinary, practical application, closely linking research, teaching and testing. Knowledge transfer has remained a core element of its work.
Building on its early work in clothing physiology, Hohenstein applied measurement-based research to understand how garments interact with the human body. Initial studies relied on manual body measurements to support size chart development, a research approach that has since evolved to include digital measurement and 3D design innovations.
In 1962, Juergen Mecheels assumed leadership of the organization. During this period, Hohenstein expanded its testing methods and strengthened its role at the intersection of textiles, microbiology and consumer protection. In 1992, Hohenstein became a founding member of OEKO-TEX®, pioneering the development of testing criteria for textile safety and sustainability.
International expansion followed in 1995 under the leadership of Stefan Mecheels, with laboratories established in Hong Kong, India and Bangladesh. The Hohenstein Academy further developed into a provider of professional training and education. Today, Hohenstein is managed by two chief executives, supported by a family advisory board.
With laboratories and offices in more than 50 countries, Hohenstein employs more than 1,500 people worldwide. The organization continues to invest in laboratory capabilities and organizational development to support product testing across sectors.
Hohenstein at a Glance
- More than 1,500 employees worldwide, with more than 650 employees at headquarters in Germany
- Accredited testing laboratories in six countries
- Representative offices in more than 50 countries
- Founding member of OEKO-TEX® in 1992
- More than 10,000 OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN labels issued
- Founded in 1946
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About Hohenstein
Hohenstein is a family-owned company specializing in independent testing, research and certification for textiles, medical devices and consumer products. With more than 80 years of scientific expertise and involvement in developing international standards, Hohenstein provides manufacturers, brands and retailers with reliable data for safety, quality, performance and sustainability. The company is a founding member of OEKO-TEX®, a CPSC-accepted third-party laboratory for CPSIA compliance and GLP certified for medical device testing. Services include chemical and physical testing, microbiological analysis, fit and comfort studies, performance evaluation and customized solutions beyond standard test methods. Hohenstein.US
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