Factory trials with Pacific Textiles support DuPont cotton claims
05/10/2012
Initial trials that the company has carried out in partnership with Hong Kong-based fabric manufacturer Pacific Textiles have demonstrated “the significant sustainability benefits of bio-based enzymes in cotton textile processing at bulk-scale production”, DuPont said. Its enzymes are derived from natural resources and are biodegradable.
Company vice-president, John Ranieri, said in recent comments that products such as PrimaGreen enzymes can eliminate the need for caustic chemicals, while also reducing water, energy use and processing time. He said the trial with Pacific Textile confirmed the results from an earlier lab study DuPont conducted with industry research and marketing company Cotton Incorporated.
“The results of these ongoing trials at Pacific Textiles show we have taken our more eco-friendly enzymatic processes from the lab to full factory scale,” said Mark Oostendorp, DuPont’s global business leader for textile processing. “Enzymes provide the textile industry a more eco-friendly, high-quality and cost-effective alternative to chemicals commonly used in the pretreatment and finishing process of cotton textile manufacturing.”
The results of the Cotton Incorporated study illustrate an average saving of 70% in water, 33% in steam and 27% in energy across dark, medium and light shade ranges, and a reduction in energy and water costs of around 66%. The process is also said to reduce process time by 23% for dark shades, 27% for medium shades, and 30% for light shades.
Energy savings are achievable because the use of enzymes allows textile preparation to occur at lower temperatures. Companies can also save water because the same water bath can be used for multiple steps in the production process.
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