Processing

Fibres, yarns, fabrics or garments go through multiple processing steps to achieve the performance and aesthetic properties desired by brands and consumers. These steps can be broadly categorised into pretreatment, colouration and finishing. The processing stage can be lengthy, technically complex and consumes a huge amount of water, chemistry and energy, so optimising and finding new innovations is crucially important.

Projects

    Lamoral Coatings

    Lamoral commercialises a high-performance, bio-based, fluor-free coating to replace today’s PFAS coatings and improve current C-0 offerings. With a bio-based, PFC- and MEKO-free truly durable water repellent that protects garments and their users from the elements. (Netherlands)

    CleanKore

    CleanKore’s patented technology modifies the denim dye range to eliminate Potassium Permanganate spray, lower the carbon footprint & improve sustainability throughout the supply chain without increasing cost. (US)

    GRINP

    GRINP develops and produces machines using their proprietary atmospheric plasma technology. Their industrial machines can replace traditional pre-treatments such as bleaching. The technology can be used on any fibre. Founded in 2005, (Italy).

    Dyerecycle

    DyeRecycle has developed a technology that enables the reuse and recycling of dyes directly from textile waste for use in the dyeing of new fabrics. A patented solvent is used allowing for reduced chemical, water and energy usage, and the decoloured fabric/fibres can feed into recycling processes allowing new end of use streams. Founded in 2020 (UK).

    Ever Dye

    Ever Dye has developed a novel dyeing process with biobased pigments including a proprietary pretreatment, that allows for dyeing at room temperature on cellulosic yarn and fabric. The process utilises less energy than conventional dyeing and no use of petro-chemicals, and is also faster than traditional methods. Founded in 2021. 

    AN HERBALS

    An Herbals has a patented circular herbal dye extraction, herbal dyeing and bioprocessing technology, that converts waste from the forest, food and ayurvedic medicine industries to dyes that are non-toxic with self-binding, antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti odour, UV resistant and mosquito repellent properties for up to 50 washes in all textiles. Founded in 2019 (India).

    Fermentech Labs

    Fermentech Labs is addressing the disposal of agricultural and forest residues, such as straw, peels and pine needles, through a patented biotechnology using microorganisms. They convert organic waste, otherwise destined for incineration, into industrial enzymes that are used for textile bio-polishing, desizing and bio-scouring and by utilising these sustainable feedstocks, support farmers to have an alternative income stream. Founded in 2017 (India).

    Gaiacel

    Gaiacel has developed a novel dyeing innovation to make industrial rope and slasher dyeing processes sustainable and cost-effective. Their patented nanocellulose hydrogel along with dye particles sticks to textile surfaces and eliminates the need for multiple dipping, indigo reduction and additional chemicals, making the process less water and energy intensive compared to conventional indigo dyeing. Founded in 2022 (USA).