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
Reflections from the D(R)YE Factory of the Future Project
Pioneering the Future of Footwear: A New Initiative by Fashion for Good
In conversation with Smartex: Explore Smartex’s AI-driven solutions transforming quality control and reducing waste
In Conversation with Living Ink: Turning Biomass Waste Into Value
In Conversation with NTX: Pioneering Digital Dyeing
In Conversation with Alchemie Technology: Transforming Dry Processing for Textile Dyeing and Finishing
The Colourful Challenge of Textiles
In Conversation with imogo: Reimagining Spray Dyeing
Innovators
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).
Latest
The Home Compostable Polybag Project
In Conversation with Bananatex: From Bananas to Backpacks
Decoding the ESPR Digital Product Passport (DPP): what is it, when it’s here and which Innovators are leading the way
Fashion For Good Partners With Adidas, On and More Brands to Make Footwear’s Supply Chain More Sustainable
The Amsterdam-based platform for sustainable innovation is rolling out a new initiative designed to help shoe brands and retailers make their sourcing and manufacturing processes more environmentally-friendly.