Biodegradability
How quickly and completely do the fibres decompose in the environment? We determine the degree of degradation in wastewater after a defined period of time – in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14851.
What are textile microplastics – and why is it so important to be able to measure them?
When textiles are manufactured, worn and washed, tiny pieces of fibre – known as fibre fragments – are released. Treatment processes at sewage treatment works only partially retain them, meaning they end up in rivers, lakes and seas via wastewater, or are applied to agricultural land as fertiliser.
We make this fibre release quantifiable – so that you can objectively compare materials, make targeted improvements and demonstrate the environmental impact of your products.
Measure – Understand – Reduce
We support you in three steps:
- Measure:
We determine the fibre shedding of your textiles using standardised test methods. - Understand:
You receive reliable data on quantity, degradability and environmental impact. - Reduce:
On this basis, you can optimise your materials and product portfolio in a targeted manner.
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DIN SPEC 4872 - Analysis of Fibre Release During Washing of Textiles
DIN SPEC 4872
DIN SPEC 4872 is a standardised test method that comprehensively assesses and classifies the environmental impact of textiles during washing. It answers three questions: How many fibres are shed by the textile during washing? How well do these fibres degrade in wastewater? And how harmful are the residues to the environment?
The result is a classification code that reflects your product’s fibre discharge, biodegradation rate and ecotoxicological potential – a robust basis for product development and communication.
Download DIN SPEC 4872
DIN SPEC 4872 to the point
Our webcast introduces you to our holistic approach to determining fibre release during washing, biodegradation and ecotoxicity.
By viewing the video, you agree that your data may be transferred to the third-party provider Vimeo. You can find more information about this in our privacy policy.
We perform these tests for you
Fibre discharge
How many fibres does the textile shed during washing? We determine the fibre release during washing under defined laboratory conditions using dynamic image analysis (DIA).
Ecotoxicology
Do fibre residues harm aquatic organisms? We test this in accordance with DIN EN ISO 20079 using the duckweed, a particularly sensitive model organism for aquatic plants.
Your benefits
- Objective, standardised measurement of fibre release, degradability and ecotoxicity
- Independent assessment and comparison of your products
- Reliable data for targeted product development and portfolio optimisation
- Assessment of defined environmental aspects of your product for your communications and regulatory requirements
Microplastic Analysis of Textiles & Production Wastewater
Our test methods
We determine how many fibres are released from textile surfaces and what the fibre content is in process and waste water:
- Dynamic image analysis (DIA, Hohenstein method):
automatically detects released fibres by quantity, length and shape - Gravimetric measurement:
determines total abrasion based on filter weight in accordance with the UoL/TMC method, AATCC TM212 or DIN EN ISO 4484-1
Don't miss this advantages.
- Analyses of textiles and waste water (various sample types from a single source)
- Determination of amount, type and shape of released fibres by Hohenstein method DIA
- Objective measurement of fibre release
- Quality control of waste water, optimisation potential of existing processes and processing steps
Hohenstein is driving textile sustainability forward with intensive research.
When considering the environmental impact of textiles, there is no way around microplastics. Hohenstein has been at the forefront of this research since 2016. Benefit from our active involvement in research and standardisation committees.
DIN SPEC 19292 – Identifying fibre shedding at the design stage
DIN SPEC 19292
DIN SPEC 19292 provides a quick assessment of the potential for fibre shedding in your textile products.
The sample water following the simulated washing process is filtered, and the release of the fibre fragments is determined visually.
The benefit to you: you can identify critical materials at an early stage and objectively compare alternatives – if desired, directly at your own premises using our test kit.
Test kit for microfibre shedding from textiles – in accordance with DIN SPEC 19292
In collaboration with Under Armour and James Heal, Hohenstein has developed a test kit that implements the methodology set out in DIN SPEC 19292. This enables textile companies throughout the value chain to determine fibre shedding themselves during the product development stage and to specifically select materials with low shedding rates.
Our video guide shows you step by step how to use the kit.
By viewing the video, you agree that your data may be transferred to the third-party provider Vimeo. You can find more information about this in our privacy policy.