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Sunday, August 7, 2016

5 Sustainable Innovations in the Fashion Industry 


1. Air Dyeing

Air dyeing is a process to replace conventional application of dye. It can save up to 85% of the water used in conventional methods, as well as 75% of the energy and 65% of the chemicals used in those methods. This process works by machines using air to push the fabrics through the dyeing machines. Another related process is using proprietary dyes which are heat-transferred onto the fabric. This also saves an enormous amount of energy.

Visit Textileworld if you want a very in-depth look at how this process works.



2. Digital Printing

Digital printing is a process in which prints are directly applied to fabrics which reduces water use by up to 95%, while also reducing energy usage by up to 75%.
This has become a trendy process in high fashion, and if adopted by other clothing manufacturers, would save an incredible amount of resources.

Head to Spgprints for a very helpful article on how this technology can make fashion more sustainable.



3. Stone washing

Levi's is using a process involving stones to wash their jeans which uses significantly less water.
On average, water used when washing these jeans has reduced by 28%, and in certain circumstances, up to 96% less.

Check out Levi's if you want to read more about the process.



4. Recycled Synthetics

Recycled synthetics are nothing new, but an incredible innovation none the less.
Some manufacturers are using recycled materials such as plastic bags, beer bottles, and milk jugs to reduce the use of cotton and other textiles.

Visit Nau for more information on one of the many different processes.



5. Bio-filtered Wastewater

This is a fairly ingenious concept in order to purify wastewater from textile factories.
The process involves filtering the wastewater by running it through micro-organisms which are able to process the pollutants, and do so with less resources than conventional methods.
This process is being used in other industries as well, but is very useful for the fashion industry, as the micro-organisms can filter out toxic dyes if they are used.
Another major benefit, is that with conventional filtering process, there is often a strong odor from the process, but with bio-filtering, there is not. This allows manufacturers to be smarter about building layouts, since they do not have to place the filtration areas further away.

Head to Youris if you want to read more about the process.

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