CHT Germany GmbH, part of the foundation-owned CHT Group, has been named a finalist for the German Sustainability Award Companies 2027 in the Large Companies category, recognising its efforts to integrate sustainability into chemical product development and industrial manufacturing processes.
The jury highlighted the group’s PIGMENTURA textile dyeing process, which uses a pad-dry application method aimed at reducing water consumption, alongside its work on product carbon footprint calculations and the systematic assessment of critical chemical substances.
The recognition reflects the growing role of specialty chemical manufacturers in supporting industrial sustainability through resource-efficient technologies, improved chemical management and greater environmental transparency.
The award ceremony is scheduled for December 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Maritim Hotel Düsseldorf, Germany.
Water efficiency drives textile innovation
Among the initiatives highlighted by the jury is the PIGMENTURA textile dyeing process, which applies a pad-dry method to reduce water consumption during textile processing.
Water-intensive operations, particularly dyeing and finishing, remain significant environmental challenges for the global textile industry. Manufacturers are increasingly exploring alternative processing technologies to reduce resource consumption while maintaining production performance and product quality.
By integrating chemical product development with industrial customer processes, CHT aims to develop solutions that address environmental impacts at the manufacturing stage.
The recognition also highlights the importance of collaboration between chemical suppliers and textile manufacturers in developing production technologies that support resource efficiency and sustainability objectives.
Carbon footprint assessment integrated into product development
The CHT Group has also developed an internal calculation tool to assess product carbon footprints from the early stages of product development.
The system enables the company to consider the environmental impact of chemical products during development rather than relying solely on assessments after commercialisation.
Product carbon footprint data can help identify emissions hotspots and inform decisions regarding raw materials, formulations and manufacturing processes. Such assessments are becoming increasingly relevant as industrial customers seek greater transparency regarding the environmental impacts of their supply chains.
The group said its approach incorporates sustainability considerations into product development, connecting environmental assessment with the technical requirements of industrial applications.
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Chemical substance management remains a priority
The jury further recognised the group’s science-based internal classification system for identifying critical chemical substances and supporting their replacement wherever technically and economically feasible.
Chemical management is an increasingly important issue for textile manufacturers and their suppliers as international brands and retailers strengthen requirements concerning restricted substances, chemical safety and supply chain transparency.
The CHT system is designed to identify substances requiring closer assessment and support informed decisions on alternative materials and formulations.
By incorporating substance evaluation into product development, the company aims to address potential chemical concerns at an earlier stage and support customers in meeting evolving industry requirements.
CHT Global operations across multiple industries
Headquartered in Tübingen, Germany, the CHT Group is a globally active specialty chemicals manufacturer operating across textile, industrial and functional chemicals markets.
The company employs approximately 2,500 people and operates 26 production sites worldwide. It reported group revenue of €572 million in the 2025 financial year.
Its Textile Solutions business supplies dyes and auxiliaries for the textile value chain. Industrial Solutions includes specialty silicones, paper and pulp technologies, washing solutions and care ingredients, while Functional Chemicals serves industries including paints, coatings, construction, adhesives, leather, agrochemicals and mining.
The foundation-owned group said sustainability and social responsibility form part of its corporate commitments. It is scheduled to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2028.
The finalist recognition places particular emphasis on the integration of product development, environmental assessment and industrial application, as chemical manufacturers face increasing expectations to support more sustainable production across global supply chains.