Hohenstein has developed a new standardized test method for detecting and classifying the environmental effects of textiles during washing.

The test method shows how many fibers are released during textile laundering, how well these fibers degrade in wastewater and how harmful the fiber residues are to the environment.Biodegradability alone does not mean that pure natural fibers, for example, are completely harmless to the environment. They, too, remain in ecosystems until they completely degrade and can also have a negative impact.

In addition, additives, auxiliaries or finishes used in textile production can further slow the degradation process and leach into the environment. The new standard enables textile producers and suppliers to test, evaluate and compare products for fiber release during washing and environmental impact. Washing textiles releases microfibers into the wash water, which cannot be sufficiently retained by wastewater treatment plants.

Synthetic fibers pose the greatest risk to the environment because of their longevity and inability to biodegrade.

With more than 40 offices and laboratories, Hohenstein is an international partner for independent testing, certification and applied research around the human-textileenvironment interaction. Through standard or customized testing, and interpretation of the results, Hohenstein solves problems, verifies claims and helps partners bring better, safer products to market – more sustainably.