Leading German textile certifier opens labs in Dhaka, Ctg

Hohenstein Institute, a leading accredited German certification provider, has formally launched two laboratories in Dhaka and Chittagong to offer a wide range of chemical and textile technology testing and results analysis.

The institute president, Stefan Mecheels, made the announcement at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden in the capital on Saturday.

The institute has been providing such certification at its own labs in Bangladesh since 2005, albeit informally.

Garment exporters and textile producers could also get their goods tested at Hohenstein's labs in Hong Kong and Germany, but it is time-consuming and expensive.

Rising customer expectations and tighter legislation demanding material testing for harmful substances, environmental-friendly production facilities and safe workplaces have seen manufacturers of all kinds of textiles come under increased pressure. To keep up with this development, more and more manufacturers are choosing to have their products tested by independent testing service providers.

Hohenstein, which also provides consulting and research and development, applies internationally recognised standards to ensure transparency in performance tests, quality controls and inspections for textile manufacturers, brands and retailers, says a press release.

Services include analytical testing, tests for harmful substances, preparation of expert reports in case of damage, physical testing for colour fastness, pilling, fineness of fibres, determination of fibre composition and behaviour measurement during care processes.

Hohenstein's current capacity in Bangladesh allows delivering services to 100 companies a year and testing 2,000 samples a day.

It has around 1,000 employees in more than 40 branches and contact offices worldwide.

Saber Hossain Chowdhury, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee for the jute and textiles ministry; Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Siddiqur Rahman, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association; Michael Schultheiss, chargé d'affaires of German embassy; and Naser Ezaz Bijoy, CEO of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, were present.