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ADVERTISEMENT HoHenstein An interview with Ben Mead, Managing Director Hohenstein USA Hohenstein.com Hohenstein plays a comprehensive role in textile innovation. What are some key factors? For 70 years, we have partnered with suppliers, brands and retailers to ensure new, innovative textile products come to market reliably and safely. We focus on interactions between humans, textiles and the environment. To help our industry partners in their innovation process, we provide customized testing for product development, claim verification, comparative and competitive analysis, technology evaluation, private and public research, and training. Our experts in many different areas (such as comfort, ergonomics, fit/pattern, compression, odor, functionality, skin friendliness, textile care, PPE, chemicals) work together to help streamline the process. Hohenstein is much more than test laboratory. How does Hohenstein balance material innovation with sustainability? Hohenstein considers sustainability and chemical safety in all material decisions as well as actively creating new methods that support sustainable development (i.e. biodegradation and GMO testing). We co-founded the OEKO-TEX ® Association 26 years ago. All of the products within the OEKO-TEX ® portfolio are used to strengthen our customers' (over 14,000 worldwide) systems, processes, or products and, ultimately, they help create more sustainable companies. What is Spacetex2 and what are the implications for performance wear on Earth? We are cooperating with our partners to investigate the role of sweating under microgravity in terms of improving thermal comfort during the daily exercise of astronauts on the ISS (International Space Station). This research is applicable for improving garments worn under extreme climatic conditions (hot and humid) on earth, which becomes more important due to climate change. The findings of Spacetex2 also help to optimize clothing for astronauts (known as IVA "intra-vehicular activity" clothing, i.e., clothing worn within the ISS), on long-term missions, for example, for the planned manned flight to Mars in the 2030s. How does Hohenstein help its partners increase speed to market? Fast markets need fast results, ever shorter product cycles require speed, flexibility, and reliability. Hohenstein accesses extensive experience and vast global networks to reduce development time and speed innovation. Our trusted labels and certifications help our partners communicate with their customers, because consumers need an easy way to identify what products to trust. For smooth implementation, consistent manufacturing, and clear expectations, Hohenstein helps define specifications and communicate with supply chains. This enables accurately defined requirements, easier quality verification, greater supply chain efficiency, reduced workload, and in the end, lower costs. What can brands and retailers do about growing consumer sustainability expectations? In 2017, OEKO-TEX ® conducted a large-scale, worldwide consumer research study that showed consumers want to "do the right thing" and are increasingly aware of and concerned about harmful substances. They rely on brands and 3rd party certifiers they trust to help with buying decisions. A partnership between brands and certifiers helps to reassure consumers: 1. There are concerns – but there are also solutions. 2. We are part of the solution - let us tell you what steps we are taking to ensure that our products are safe and responsibly made. 3. We make it easy for you to make the right choices for your family and for your conscience. 4. Here's the proof that you can trust our claims. Hohenstein conducts size surveys using non-contact measurement techniques such as 3D-Bodyscanners. Nowadays, consumers want to make the right choices for their family and for their conscience concerning sustainability. For 70 years, Hohenstein has partnered with suppliers, brands and retailers to ensure new, innovative textile products come to market reliably and safely. Shared expertise across individual disciplines and a unique "Full-Service" approach ranging from research and development, verification and certification to inspections and labels for product marketing are the hallmark of this globally operated, family-owned company. All images: © Hohenstein Beyond the test Laboratory and Research institute