The impact of colour in the realm of fashion and textiles is significant, drawing consumers towards specific clothing and fabrics and conveying a particular aesthetic. As the demand for sustainable and efficient production processes grows, innovations in dyeing technology have gained traction in the industry. One such innovation is waterless dyeing technology, which not only promotes sustainability but also enhances efficiency.
Waterless dyeing technology is transformative in the textile industry, reducing water usage by over 30 percent compared to conventional dyeing processes. This is achieved by substituting water with alternative solvents that aid in dye adhesion to the fabric. Some processes involve using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) as a solvent, which swells fibres and allows dyes to permeate, while others utilise chemical solutions to achieve waterless dyeing methods.
Waterless dyeing has traditionally been applied to materials such as leather, wool, and polyester-cotton blends. However, a recent breakthrough has extended this technology to cellulosic fibres through a collaboration between Lenzing, Exponent Envirotech, and Cobalt Fashion.
One notable outcome of this collaboration is the development of Exponent Envirotech’s ECOHUES™ waterless dyeing solution, specifically designed for cellulosic fibres such as TENCEL™ branded lyocell and modal fibres. By employing a non-water solvent and significantly reducing the usual post-dyeing soap wash, ECOHUES™ has dramatically reduced water consumption by colouring a T-shirt with just 2 litres of water, as opposed to the typical 40 litres required, representing a staggering 95 percent reduction. In addition, this innovative solution has managed to shrink dye usage by 40 percent, with a remarkable 97 percent fixation of the dyestuff to fabric, as compared to the 62 percent achieved by water-based dyeing. Furthermore, it has reduced the time needed to colour a cotton tee from 12 hours to just 6-8 hours, demonstrating its unparalleled efficiency.
Rex Mok, director of technical marketing and development, global textiles business at Lenzing, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration and the impact of ECOHUES™ on the textile industry. He highlighted the significance of integrating waterless dyeing technology, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing practices, and expressed hope for the widespread adoption of this breakthrough within the industry.
In addition to the remarkable reduction in water consumption, ECOHUES™ is completely salt-free, further contributing to a decrease in wastewater. The significance of reducing wastewater in the fashion industry cannot be overstated, as it contributes to an estimated 20 percent of all the wastewater generated globally. Recognising these environmental challenges, the adoption of waterless dyeing technology, such as ECOHUES™, provides a crucial solution to not only address these challenges but also to meet the growing consumer concern for sustainability.
Lenzing’s efforts in promoting responsible textile practices reflect their commitment to reducing water use in yarn dyeing. The partnership has led to the successful dyeing of TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibres with ECOHUES™, marking a significant step towards incorporating sustainable technology into the mainstream fashion market.
Water scarcity is a pressing issue globally, and the adoption of water-saving innovations, such as waterless dyeing, is crucial in addressing the natural resource crisis. Consumers, as well as manufacturers in the fashion industry, must recognise the urgency of addressing these challenges and embracing technologies that have no quality trade-offs.
Moving forward, the industry must continue to strive towards technological advancements that promote sustainability and efficiency, making it possible to create high-quality, innovative, and environmentally friendly products. To learn more about TENCEL™ and LENZING™ ECOVERO™, visit the website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212982021003279.