TEXTILES.ORG
Hohenstein announces that with the publication of DIN SPEC 19296, it has made its test method publicly available as a standard for evaluating how textile fragments behave in soil under realistic conditions. Textile products made from synthetic fibers, as well as other finished or dyed materials, release fiber fragments into the environment throughout their life cycle. The DIN SPEC allows results to be compared across products by providing a common reference for assessing biodegradability and potential ecological effects in soil.
DIN SPEC 19296 focuses on textile products and the fragments released during use, abrasion or disposal. Testing is conducted in standardized soil under defined climatic conditions for up to 180 days.
The method assesses both biodegradability and ecotoxicological effects. A respirometer system measures oxygen consumption by soil microorganisms during degradation to quantify biodegradability. Plant growth tests using cress seeds evaluate potential effects on vegetation after degradation. Earthworms serve as sensitive bioindicators, with survival rates and changes in body mass used to assess potential toxic effects.
These parameters can inform whether textile fragments degrade in soil and whether residues affect soil health or biological function.
Hohenstein, headquartered in Bönnigheim, Germany, specializes in independent testing, research and certification for textiles, medical devices and consumer products.