The European market for professional and protective clothing is highly competitive. We are different because we implement a traditionally and strategically anchored philosophy for sustainability with utmost consistency.
Since the year 2000, we have been using the environmental management system ISO 14001 and since 2012 the energy management system EN 16001/ISO 50001 to optimize even more. In general, we work with heat recovery, waste recycling & reduction, CO2-free power generation by hydropower and production-efficient effluent utilization.
On the product side, we have been meeting the ultra-high requirements of the international bluesign® standard of the textile industry since 2008 and we produce all our fabrics according to the specifications of the standard 100 by Öko-Tex, product class 1 (so-called “baby class”).
As a matter of fact, as early as 2014, we switched from C8 chemistry to the ecologically more sensitive C6 chemistry.
Among other things, we use the following sustainable raw materials for our fabrics: tencel fibres from the wood of sustainably cultivated plantations; Fairtrade cotton; recycled polyester. In Cradle-to-Cradle-certified textiles, we replace the conventional polyester with an antimony-free and biodegradable polymer.
Since 2008, Lauffenmühle has been a bluesign® system partner and all fabrics are developed and produced according to the bluesign® criteria.
This guarantees a significant reduction in environmental impacts, the protection of humans and the environment as well as an efficient use of resources. Risks in manufacturing and for consumers are significantly reduced.
The bluesign® system optimizes and monitors the following aspects:
STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®
Lauffenmühle develops and manufactures *all fabrics according to product class 1 of the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® – a worldwide uniform, independent test and certification system for textiles.* Exception: a few flame retardants
It includes pollutant tests, which include legally prohibited chemicals and those hazardous to health. The defined limit values serve to protect consumers and often go beyond (inter)national requirements.
Product class 1, so-called ‘baby-class'
The pollutant tests according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® are always based on the intended use of the textiles. Therefore the principle applies: the more intensive the skin contact of a textile (and the more sensitive the skin), the higher human ecologic requirements have to be fulfilled.
Product class 1 used by Lauffenmühle is for textiles and textile toys for babies and toddlers up to the age of three.
Cradle to Cradle® means no longer producing any waste, all the materials used are continuously carried into the technical or biological cycle.
The reworx® fabrics developed by Lauffenmühle offer excellent technical performance (leasing-oriented), are extremely comfortable and are safe for biological regeneration.
Conventional cotton
We purchase conventional cotton exclusively from Greece, Spain and Israel, because:
Cotton Fairtrade certified®
Increasingly, according to the increasing demand, we are producing fabrics
Lyocellfaser Tencel®by Lenzing
Since 2007, as an ecologically sensible alternative to cotton, lyocell fibre has already been used to a great extent. One ton of Lyocell fibre production requires:
In addition to conventional polyester, we are increasingly using:
Through its energy and environmental policy, Lauffenmühle GmbH & Co. KG is setting an environmental policy framework that is mandatory for all decisions taken at the two locations in Southern Germany. All processes and activities as well as all products and services are continually monitored for their direct environmental impact. We commit ourselves to reducing our energy consumption in the long term and to increase our energy efficiency through a continuous improvement process.
To choose energy, auxiliary materials and equipment necessary for production, we generally keep in mind the criteria of environmental protection. On the procurement side, suppliers and products are selected by using ecological, energy-saving, qualitative and economic criteria to influence the respective decisions.
Since 2000, Lauffenmühle has been managing environmental concerns through the environmental management system ISO 14001. It supports our company to continuously optimize the environmental performance through
Rising energy and raw material prices and stiffer competition are making the rational use of energy more important than ever before. Systematic energy management is an effective, already proven measure to reduce specific energy consumption and energy costs. At the same time, direct and indirect CO2 emissions, i.e. the Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) of the company, can be reduced.
The energy management system ISO 50001 was introduced in the company in 2012. It particularly enables the systematic detection of energy currents and thus serves, among other things, as a basis for deciding on investments that optimize energy efficiency. In addition, it positively influences the organizational and technical processes as well as behaviour. The goal is always to reduce the operational total energy consumption from an economic point of view and to continuously improve the energy efficiency of our company. Today, Lauffenmühle uses 50% of its energy supply from renewable sources.
Based on its energy and environmental policy, Lauffenmühle GmbH & Co. KG is setting an environmental policy framework that is binding in all decisions taken at both locations in Southern Germany.
All processes and activities, as well as all products and services, are continually being checked for their direct environmental impact: We commit ourselves to both reduce our energy consumption in the long term and to increase our energy efficiency by continuously improving our processes.
In order to achieve these goals, our energy management system has been certified according to DIN EN ISO 50001; we make sure everything required by this standard is properly implemented and the corresponding processes are continuously improved.
In order to implement these energy-related and environmental guidelines, we have set specific targets anchored in an energy and environmental programme. These objectives are continually being updated and the achievement of the objectives reviewed; correction measures are promptly controlled based on the results of the corresponding deviation analyses.