Chemicals, mixtures and auxiliaries are verified against defined safety criteria at the supplier – before they reach production.

Certifies organic cotton from cultivation to finished product. Unlike many other systems, the standard requires laboratory-based GMO testing of the physical fibre – documentation alone is not sufficient.

Certifies manufacturing facilities in the textile and leather industry against environmental and social requirements – for example wastewater management, chemical handling, energy use and working conditions.

Tests every component of a finished textile product – fibres, threads and accessories – against more than 1,000 harmful substances. Extensions are available for personal protective equipment and specialist articles, with adjusted limit values tailored to how the products are used.

Tests leather goods and leather materials against harmful substances, in the same way that STANDARD 100 does for textiles.

A label for finished products and materials where the article is certified according to STANDARD 100 and manufacturing takes place at STeP-certified facilities. The label includes a scannable ID giving consumers visibility into the supply chain.

Effective textile recycling begins already at the concept stage. RISE supports companies with strategies and design choices that enable circularity and long-term traceability.

With extensive knowledge of recycling technologies, we guide companies in selecting materials and design solutions that are compatible with emerging recycling infrastructure. This improves resource efficiency and prepares companies for upcoming regulations such as Digital Product Passports and Ecodesign requirements.

We offer pilot and demonstration capabilities for mechanical recycling processes including:

• Shredding
• Carding
• Yarn spinning
• Nonwoven production

Our services include:

• Material analysis and purity assessment
• Design recommendations for mono-material solutions
• Quality control (e.g., fibre analysis and mechanical performance testing)
• Guidance for certification processes

Thermomechanical recycling is primarily used for thermoplastic fibres such as polyester.

Our services include:

• Shredding, washing and melt filtration
• Thermal and rheological analysis
• Process optimisation using additives
• Melt spinning of mono- and multicomponent fibres
• Blending recycled materials with virgin polymers

Chemical recycling

Chemical recycling enables the recovery and reuse of mixed or degraded textile materials that cannot easily be recycled mechanically.

Our services include:

• Recyclability assessment of polyester-based textiles
• Testing in recycling reactors
• Development of depolymerisation processes
• Analysis of recovered fibres and polymers
• Repolymerisation and material recovery
• Circular design strategies focusing on recyclability

We provide advanced technical support in the development of prototypes based on recycled fibres.

Our work focuses on optimising material properties and process compatibility for different applications. We develop products such as knitted textiles, nonwoven materials and composite structures using recycled raw materials, ensuring that functionality, durability and processability meet both design and manufacturing requirements.

RISE provides advanced testing and characterisation of textile materials to ensure product quality, functionality and chemical safety for products made from recycled fibres and materials.

Our analyses include evaluation of:

• Fibre and material structure
• Mechanical properties
• Thermal and chemical profiles
• Contaminants and hazardous substances

Testing is conducted according to international standards, while customised testing methods can also be developed to address unique requirements.

As a certified OEKO-TEX® institute, we support certification according to programmes including:

• STANDARD 100
• MADE IN GREEN
• STeP
• Other OEKO-TEX® certification schemes

These certifications verify that recycled textile products meet high standards for safety, quality and transparency, supporting market acceptance.

Chemical recycling enables the recovery and reuse of mixed or degraded textile materials that cannot easily be recycled mechanically.

Our services include:

• Recyclability assessment of polyester-based textiles
• Testing in recycling reactors
• Development of depolymerisation processes
• Analysis of recovered fibres and polymers
• Repolymerisation and material recovery
• Circular design strategies focusing on recyclability

How can blended materials containing synthetic and natural fibres be recycled?

Blended materials are more complex to recycle because different fibres require different recycling processes. Through sorting, mechanical recycling or chemical recycling technologies, materials can be separated or processed for reuse in new textile products.

How can companies ensure recycled textiles are free from hazardous substances?

Chemical analysis and material testing can verify compliance with legislation and standards. Testing identifies unwanted substances and ensures that materials meet requirements such as REACH and other regulatory frameworks.

How can traceability of recycled materials be ensured?

Traceability can be achieved through documentation of material flows, fibre composition analysis and supply chain verification. Digital systems and certification schemes can also help verify the origin and composition of recycled materials.

Can production waste be used to create new textile products?

Yes. Production waste from textile manufacturing can often be recycled and used as raw material for new fibre or material processes. Mechanical or chemical recycling can transform waste materials into new fibres or materials.

Does product design need to change when using recycled materials?

In many cases, product design and material composition need to be adapted to optimise performance and recyclability. Circular design strategies may involve using fewer material types or designing products that are easier to recycle.

Which recycling technology is best for different types of textile waste?

The optimal recycling technology depends on the material type, fibre composition and quality of the waste stream. Common methods include mechanical recycling, chemical recycling and thermomechanical processes.

Are there certifications for recycled fibres?

Yes. Several certification schemes exist for recycled textile materials, including Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Recycled Claim Standard (RCS). These certifications verify recycled content and ensure transparency in the value chain.How can blended materials containing synthetic and natural fibres be recycled?

Blended materials are more complex to recycle because different fibres require different recycling processes. Through sorting, mechanical recycling or chemical recycling technologies, materials can be separated or processed for reuse in new textile products.

How can companies ensure recycled textiles are free from hazardous substances?

Chemical analysis and material testing can verify compliance with legislation and standards. Testing identifies unwanted substances and ensures that materials meet requirements such as REACH and other regulatory frameworks.

How can traceability of recycled materials be ensured?

Traceability can be achieved through documentation of material flows, fibre composition analysis and supply chain verification. Digital systems and certification schemes can also help verify the origin and composition of recycled materials.

Can production waste be used to create new textile products?

Yes. Production waste from textile manufacturing can often be recycled and used as raw material for new fibre or material processes. Mechanical or chemical recycling can transform waste materials into new fibres or materials.

Does product design need to change when using recycled materials?

In many cases, product design and material composition need to be adapted to optimise performance and recyclability. Circular design strategies may involve using fewer material types or designing products that are easier to recycle.

Which recycling technology is best for different types of textile waste?

The optimal recycling technology depends on the material type, fibre composition and quality of the waste stream. Common methods include mechanical recycling, chemical recycling and thermomechanical processes.

Are there certifications for recycled fibres?

Yes. Several certification schemes exist for recycled textile materials, including Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Recycled Claim Standard (RCS). These certifications verify recycled content and ensure transparency in the value chain.

Understand how textiles perform in real-life use and skin-close microclimates. We evaluate properties such as moisture transport, thermal insulation, pressure distribution, air permeability and water repellency (including Spray Test and Bundesmann methods).

Using advanced equipment, we simulate realistic usage conditions and provide objective data on comfort, functionality and performance.

Evaluate strength, durability and resistance to wear.

Textiles are tested using methods such as:

• Tensile, tear, seam and bursting strength testing (CRE)
• Abrasion testing (Martindale)
• Pilling and snagging

These tests measure how materials perform under stress over time and in different conditions — critical for product development, procurement and claims investigations.

Predict how textiles change over time.

Colour changes and staining are common causes of product complaints. We test colour fastness to washing, light, perspiration, water, migration and rubbing, tailored to the intended application of the textile product.

Validate durability and protective performance.

We simulate ageing through repeated washing cycles, light exposure, abrasion and exposure to environments such as seawater to evaluate how materials perform over time.

Evaluate textile behaviour in fire situations.

Flame testing is particularly important for textiles used in transport, public environments, protective equipment, apparel, bedding products and interior textiles. We analyse how quickly a material ignites, burns and potentially self-extinguishes.

Identify hazardous substances and protect consumers and the environment.

Using advanced instrumentation, we detect substances such as:

• Carcinogenic and allergenic dyes
• PFAS
• Phthalates
• Bisphenols
• Heavy metals
• Siloxanes
• Quinoline
• ADCA
• UV stabilisers

These analyses verify compliance with regulations such as REACH, which is particularly important for children’s products and textiles in contact with skin.

Strengthen your brand with globally recognised certification.

RISE is an authorised OEKO-TEX® institute certified to issue:

• STANDARD 100
• LEATHER STANDARD
• MADE IN GREEN
• STeP
• ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX®

These certifications demonstrate chemical safety, transparency and responsible production practices.

Develop testing solutions tailored to your needs.

Our experts can adapt existing methods or develop new testing protocols for novel materials, new product types or applications not covered by existing standards.

We help companies develop their own product specifications and testing requirements.

Our experts assist in identifying relevant material properties, selecting appropriate test methods and defining realistic performance requirements.

From raw materials or recycled resources to the next product generation.

Using our expertise and machinery, we support product development from new materials or recycled textile streams. We can process materials through tearing, carding, yarn spinning and needle punching to create prototypes in yarns, knitted materials or nonwoven textiles.

The Chemical Group is a network that provides companies in the textile and electronics industries with access to up-to-date knowledge and expert support in chemical management and sustainability.

Members receive:

• Regulatory monitoring
• Practical tools
• Updates on chemical legislation
• Best practices for replacing hazardous substances

Get expert support across the entire value chain — from development to market.

We offer guidance on material selection, specifications, standards and product complaints. Our courses and training programmes can be customised and cover topics such as fibre science, testing methodology and textile care chemistry.

How can we ensure that our textiles meet chemical safety requirements?

Through chemical analysis and testing, textiles can be evaluated against regulations and standards such as REACH and OEKO-TEX®. These analyses identify regulated or undesirable substances and verify compliance with both legal and customer requirements.

What tests are needed to evaluate durability and functionality?

Textile performance can be assessed through mechanical and physical testing such as abrasion resistance, tensile strength, colour fastness and dimensional stability. These analyses help companies ensure quality, durability and functionality.

How are comfort properties such as breathability and thermal regulation evaluated?

Comfort properties are analysed through tests measuring air permeability, moisture transport and thermal behaviour, providing insight into how materials perform in real usage conditions.

How can the origin and traceability of textiles be verified?

Traceability can be ensured through material analysis, raw material documentation and supply chain verification. Analytical methods help confirm material composition and link it to specific raw materials and production processes.

Which standards apply to technical textiles?

Requirements vary depending on application — such as medical textiles, protective clothing or industrial textiles. Testing is performed according to international standards including ISO, EN and ASTM.

We support the early innovation phase through idea and concept development. This includes feasibility studies where technical possibilities, material choices and sustainability aspects are evaluated to ensure that new solutions are viable.

An important element is the integration of life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify environmental impact from raw material to finished product. These results provide a data-driven foundation for both sustainability strategies and business development.

Through a multidisciplinary team, we combine materials science, process engineering and sustainability analysis in close collaboration with our clients.

RISE supports the development of textile fibres and materials from a wide range of raw materials — including bio-based, synthetic and recycled sources, as well as side streams from agriculture and marine environments.

Our work focuses on developing new fibre types and materials that meet requirements for performance, durability and resource efficiency for applications such as apparel and technical textiles.

Examples of raw materials we work with include natural polymers such as:

• Cellulose
• Alginate
• Chitosan
• Lignin
• Proteins

as well as bio-based and recycled thermoplastics.

We develop:

• Monocomponent fibres
• Multicomponent fibres
• Yarn structures
• Nonwoven materials

We also work with the development of functional fibre properties such as:

• Electrical conductivity
• Flame retardancy
• Antibacterial functionality

Further processing and prototype development can be supported with equipment for texturing, rewinding, twisting, yarn spinning, knitting and nonwoven production.

Related services include:

• Development of melt-spun textile fibres
• Development of wet-spun textile fibres
• Development of functional fibres
• Textile fibre finishing
• Yarn development
• Nonwoven material development
• Filament and staple fibre development

We specialise in melt spinning and wet spinning, including air-gap spinning, and work with a wide range of materials and fibre structures — from simple monocomponent fibres to advanced multicomponent fibres with varying cross-sections and material combinations.

Our processes are developed with a focus on efficiency, high quality and adaptability for different applications.

We have extensive experience in evaluating the spinnability of new materials and support the full development chain — from laboratory experiments at small scale to scale-up in our pilot facilities, where we can move from monofilament to multifilament spinning.

Services include:

• Evaluation of spinnability of thermoplastic materials
• Formulation and development of spinning dopes
• Wet spinning from lab to pilot scale
• Air-gap spinning development and optimisation
• Pilot-scale melt spinning

We offer advanced analysis of textile fibres and raw materials to ensure both technical performance and environmental properties. Raw materials, fibres and finished textile products can be evaluated through mechanical, physical and chemical analyses.

Examples of analysis methods include:

• Crystallinity and porosity analysis
• Chemical structure analysis using FTIR spectroscopy
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS)
• Thermal analysis such as TGA and DSC
• Mechanical testing

RISE is also an authorised OEKO-TEX® institute, accredited to certify according to:

• STANDARD 100
• LEATHER STANDARD
• MADE IN GREEN
• STeP
• ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX®

RISE offers comprehensive innovation support for textile recycling, including:

• Pre-treatment of textile materials
• Mechanical recycling
• Chemical recycling
• Thermomechanical recycling
• Development of new materials and textile products from recycled raw materials

How can we meet upcoming chemical legislation such as PFAS restrictions?

By analysing materials, additives and production processes, alternative solutions can be identified that meet both functional requirements and future legislation. RISE helps companies evaluate chemical content and develop more sustainable material solutions.

How can traceability be established at fibre and raw material level?

Traceability can be achieved through material identification, documentation of raw materials and analytical methods that allow materials to be tracked throughout production and recycling.

What potential do side streams from forests or marine environments have as fibre raw materials?

Side streams can serve as valuable raw materials for new bio-based fibres. Through material analysis and process development, their fibre properties and application potential can be evaluated.

How does fibre development influence product design and material composition?

New fibre solutions influence material properties such as strength, flexibility and functionality, which in turn affect how textile products can be designed and manufactured.

Which production technology is most suitable for our application?

The choice between technologies such as melt spinning, wet spinning or air-gap spinning depends on the material type, functional requirements and desired fibre structure.

Which standards and certifications should be considered when developing new fibres?

Depending on the application, relevant standards and certifications may include OEKO-TEX®, REACH-related requirements and product-specific standards.

What does a circular strategy mean for a textile company?

A circular strategy aims to keep products, materials and resources in use for as long as possible while maintaining their value through reuse, remanufacturing and recycling. For textile companies, this can include designing products for longer lifetimes, using recycled or bio-based materials, developing circular business models, and creating systems for collection and recycling of textiles.

How do you develop a sustainable strategy for textile products?

The process often begins with a baseline analysis where a company’s material flows, climate impact and resource use are mapped. Based on this analysis, priority areas and concrete actions are identified, such as design for circularity, more resource-efficient processes or new business models. A roadmap is then developed that links sustainability goals to the company’s business strategy.

What business opportunities exist within circular textiles and textile recycling?

The circular transition creates new opportunities across the textile value chain. These may include developing recycled fibres and materials, technologies for sorting and recycling, services for reuse and repair, or new circular business models. Increasing regulation and market demand are also driving the need for solutions that enable more circular textile flows.

How can companies measure the climate impact of textile products?

Climate impact can be analysed using methods such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which evaluates emissions from raw materials, production, transport, use and end-of-life. By identifying where the largest emissions occur, companies can prioritise actions that have the greatest impact, such as material choices, energy-efficient production or more circular material flows.

Which sustainability areas are most important for the textile industry?

Key areas typically include climate impact, resource efficiency, chemical management and circularity in material flows. For many companies, traceability, digital product passports and compliance with new EU regulations are also becoming increasingly important. The priority areas depend on the company’s business model, products and value chain.

How will new EU regulations affect textile companies?

The EU is introducing several new regulations affecting the textile industry, including requirements related to sustainable product design, digital product passports and extended producer responsibility. These regulations aim to increase transparency, improve material circularity and reduce the environmental impact of textile products. For companies, this creates both new requirements and new opportunities to develop more sustainable products and business models.

How can companies turn sustainability goals into concrete actions?

To translate strategy into practice, companies need a clear roadmap with prioritised activities, responsibilities and follow-up mechanisms. This may include developing new material solutions, designing products for recycling, improving resource efficiency in production or implementing methods to measure and report sustainability performance. A structured approach helps turn sustainability strategy into a driver for innovation and competitiveness.