Digital dyeing technology validated for Future Forward Factory
The near waterless digital dyeing process developed by Alchemie Technology, based in Cambridge, UK, has been validated as aligning with the ambitions of Fashion for Good’s Future Forward Factory programme by BluWin, a sustainability consultancy.
The energy and water usage of an Endeavour “jet precision dyeing” machine located in a Taiwan mill was compared to traditional jet and ‘thermosol’ or foulard dyeing processes. The technical assessment found that Endeavour can reduce water usage by up to 92% compared to jet dyeing and by up to 90% compared to foulard dyeing. It also eliminates the need for steam, providing energy savings of up to 70% compared to jet dyeing and up to 86% compared to foulard.
This assessment is based on real world data captured in a commercial production environment, which makes the results all the more valuable.
Alchemie’s digital dyeing device operates at a speed of 35 metres per minute, and the dyed polyester fabrics achieved colour fastness grades of 4 and above. The device can ‘dye’ fabrics made from polyester, cotton and man-made cellulosic fibres. Portuguese mill Acatel is currently trialling cellulosic knit fabrics on an Endeavour machine.
Sportstextiles recently featured the company here.
