Dreieich, June 13, 2024 – CWS Workwear celebrates a significant milestone in the company's history with the opening of the state-of-the-art Innovation Lab in Dreieich. The opening event was attended by Hartmut Honka, Member of the Landtag, District Administrator (Landrat) Oliver Quilling and other local politicians and officials.
From a former office building to a textile quality hub
The CWS Workwear Innovation Lab, located at Max-Planck-Strasse 10 in Dreieich, combines an innovative concept of laboratory and showroom in an industrial style. The lab is designed to test newly launched products and materials and, in addition, serves as a training hub. “In the Innovation Lab, we conduct analyses to extend the lifespan of our textiles,” explains Stefanie Leibold, engineer in detergent technology and Head of CWS Workwear Innovation Lab. “We focus on textile forensics, quality and sustainability standards as well as individual and professional fault analysis.” This applies not only to new product developments but also to workwear that is already in use. CWS Workwear, following a circular business model, offers Workwear as a Service to support its customers.
With trainings on a conscious use of workwear
In addition to research, the Innovation Lab will also serve as a training hub. With customer-oriented workshops on various topics, CWS Workwear offers customers and interested parties the opportunity to gain an insight into the world of sustainable textiles. Participants can also take a look behind the scenes of a testing laboratory and see the quality standards for themselves. “Our Innovation Lab is a place where ideas are developed and new solutions are created to meet the complex challenges in the textile industry, especially in regard to workwear,” says Melanie Deppe, Head of Product Quality at CWS Workwear.
Sustainable workwear: not trend, but a core issue
CWS Workwear has been at the forefront of sustainable workwear for many years. Many workwear collections are developed and produced using the latest technology and environmentally friendly materials. The company is on track to achieve its goal of doubling the product lifespan by 2030 and minimising quality defects, which will drastically reduce the laundry invest and significantly reduce the amount of waste.
"The opening of our Innovation Lab marks an important milestone in the history of CWS Workwear, which began in Hamburg in 1899" says Hartmut Engler, CEO of CWS Workwear. “Here, we are setting the stage for the next generation of sustainable textiles. Through innovative research and practical tests, we ensure that our products not only meet the highest quality standards but also make a significant contribution to environmental protection.”
About CWS Workwear
Founded in 1899, CWS Workwear has been dedicated to serving customers to protect their workers and the planet for 125 years. We are a leader in the workwear industry providing Workwear as a Service with customised, stylish, long-lasting and protective workwear, encompassing more than a century of innovation and service.
Embracing a circular business model, we are committed to creating a sustainable and resilient future, marking our position as a leader in the workwear industry with a European presence. Our operations span 15 countries with a dedicated team of 5,300 professionals across more than 100 locations. Our infrastructure includes 30+ state-of-the-art industrial laundries in Europe. This enables us to serve our extensive customer base of over 35,000 customers across all CWS Workwear markets, providing our services to over 1.5 million people on a daily basis. Leveraging our local presence, we thrive for a close local partnership with our customers.
Our commitment to sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, guided by an ambitious roadmap aimed at reducing both our own and our customers' CO2 emissions along the entire value chain. By fostering a 360° customer experience and maintaining proximity to our clients, we ensure our workwear solutions meet specific needs, support responsible production practices and significantly reduce carbon footprints.
"Work your style. For you, for your business, for the planet."
Learn more about our mission: www.cws.com/workwear