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May 11, 2026

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News-Releases Index | Hohenstein Institute

02/11/2026

New DIN SPEC standardizes method to assess environmental impact of textile fragments in soil (2/11/26)

With the publication of DIN SPEC 19296, Hohenstein 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.

Testing under standardized soil conditions
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 assess whether textile fragments degrade in soil and whether residues affect soil 
health or biological function.

Relevance for product comparison and environmental claims
“Textile fibers and fragments are released into the environment, not only during washing, but also 
during everyday use. Making this testing approach publicly available as a DIN SPEC provides a 
common reference for comparing how different textile materials behave in soil,” said Juliane Alberts, 
project manager at Hohenstein. “That consistency is critical when companies evaluate materials or 
substantiate environmental claims, such as ‘compostable’.”

Publicly available specification
DIN SPEC 19296 was developed by Hohenstein in cooperation with Goldeck Textil GmbH and 
Oceansafe AG and is publicly available. By combining biodegradability and ecotoxicological testing, the 
specification helps determine whether soil continues to function as a habitat for plants and organisms 
after textile fragments degrade.

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