Stefan Mecheels receives the ECOfit certificate on behalf of Hohenstein. © Hohenstein. From left to right: Dr.-Ing. Arno Maier, Alina Bartels, Julia Seeberg, Dr. Christian Sußner, Prof. Dr. Stefan Mecheels.

Textile testing specialist Hohenstein has recently been awarded for its environmental credentials. The certificate for the Baden-Württemberg support programme ECOfit was presented to Hohenstein and four other certified companies on 15 June, at the Ludwigsburg District Administration Offices.

“We are proud of this award,” highlights Prof. Stefan Mecheels, owner of the family-run company. “We certify textile manufacturers ourselves and issue sustainability labels such as MADE IN GREEN by OEKOTEX. So, it is very important for us to set a good example.”

Since April 2018, Hohenstein has taken part in eight ECOfit workshops with companies from the Ludwigsburg region. Together they developed individual actions for better company environmental and climate protection. An inspection was then carried out by an independent commission.

“The new laboratory ventilation system at Hohenstein will save almost 100 tonnes of CO2 a year – this is equivalent to approx. 2,000 m2 of new forest area,” the company explains. One unusual action at Hohenstein was the installation of nesting aids for woodpeckers: these provide the birds with new habitats and at the same time, prevent permanent damage to the building façades.

“This is a win-win situation for birds and the company,” enthuses Jörg Weiß, Director of Building Services at Hohenstein.

Hohenstein is a family-owned company that has specialised for over 70 years in the testing, certification and research of all kinds of textile products. Now run by the third generation, approximately 1000 employees work at the headquarters in Bönnigheim as well as in the laboratories and offices around the world on tailor-made test and service offerings.

www.hohenstein.com/en