#Dyeing, Drying, Finishing

2022-01-19

Fashion for Good launches d(r)ye factory of the future project:

A new consortium project to accelerate the shift from wet to mostly dry processing in the textile supply chain

Today, Fashion for Good launches the D(R)YE Factory of the Future, a new consortium project that brings together several innovations in textile pre-treatment and colouration, that are set to accelerate the shift from wet to mostly dry processing. Textile processing is responsible for the highest greenhouse gas emissions, significant water and chemical use in the fashion value chain. The selected innovations have the potential to reduce emissions by up to 89%, and to cut water consumption by between 83% and 95%.

“Textile processing is the largest contributor to carbon emissions in the supply chain and a shift to mostly dry processing is crucial for the path to net-zero. Given the interdependencies in the processing stages, a stand-alone assessment of solutions is not sufficient. By validating a combination of technologies, we can unlock the full potential of those solutions. This is why this project is so pivotal.” - Katrin Ley - Managing Director, Fashion for Good

Orchestrated by Fashion for Good, the D(R)YE Factory of the Future partners with adidas, Kering, PVH Corp., Arvind Limited, and Welspun India who bring extensive expertise in the textiles space, and innovators to bring together several novel technologies with the aim of disrupting the current processing, pre-treatment, colouration (dyeing and printing) and finishing, of textiles in the fashion supply chain. Although a number of innovations exist in this space, they are often explored in isolation. To achieve greater impact and accelerate the shift to more sustainable practices, this project, initially focuses on innovations in pre-treatment and colouration, partners several innovations together to test their solutions in combination to validate their impact and potential to scale in the fashion value chain.

Working closely with participating Fashion for Good partners and key supply chain players, eight innovators, Alchemie Technologies, Deven Supercriticals, eCO2Dye, GRINP, Indigo Mill Designs, imogo, MTIX and Stony Creek Colors, will collaborate to demonstrate innovative solutions in pre-treatment and colouration, across five different materials; cotton, polyester, blends, denim and wool. Technologies tested include plasma and laser treatments, spray dyeing, supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) and foam dyeing. The results from the evaluations, as well as next steps for implementation, will be shared in a report in late 2022.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR DISRUPTION

Traditional pre-treatment, colouration and finishing, which occur in Tier 2 of the supply chain (see figure below) often takes place in large tanks or baths which require vast amounts of energy, heat and water. It produces the highest amount of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, 52%, in addition to releasing large amounts of toxins into water. One of the key levers to reduce impact is to move from wet processes - to mostly dry processes - innovative processing technologies that require very little to no water and reduced energy1.

This shift has the potential to reduce Tier 2 emissions by between 79-89% and could slash over a quarter of total GHG emissions in the industry2. An equal opportunity exists to reduce water consumption, including savings of up to 83% in pre-treatment and 95% in dyeing3.

The opportunity to accelerate this impact reduction, in this particular tier, lies in the disruptive solutions provided by participating innovators, and others emerging in this space. In comparison to conventional solutions, these technologies use little water, are effluent free, reduce the amount of consumables and as a result use less energy.??Fashion for Good has compiled an accompanying overview of these technologies and their impact potential in the “Textile Processing Guide: pre-treatment, colouration and finishing”.

NEXT STEPS

At the project close Fashion for Good will share a report with key learnings and next steps for implementation. Simultaneously, Fashion for Good will work with the participating Fashion for Good partners to help facilitate the implementation of these solutions at selected manufacturers.

The D(R)YE Factory of the Future project, also leverages the learnings and actions outlined in the recent report “Unlocking the Trillion-Dollar Fashion Decarbonisation Opportunity” by Fashion for Good and Apparel Impact Institute. The report charts a trajectory for the industry to meet its net-zero ambition breaking down the funding needed and maps integral levers across existing and innovative solutions. This report identifies that the shift from wet to mostly dry processing is crucial, with the potential to abate 24% of the industry’s carbon emissions and points out a set of interventions to unlock financing and accelerate the implementation.

1. Fashion for Good and Apparel Impact Institute

2. Fashion for Good and Apparel Impact Institute

3. Fashion for Good internal analysis using innovator self reported data

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Mahlo introduces AI-supported Orthopac RVMC-20 plus at ITMA Asia 2026

From November 20 to 24, 2026, Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG will present its system portfolio for the textile industry at ITMA Asia in Shanghai. Together with its local sales and service partner Kuantex and Mahlo China, the Bavarian technology specialist will demonstrate at Booth C22 in Hall 7.1 how intelligent measurement and control technology can improve the quality and efficiency of textile production processes. The spotlight will be on the new Orthopac RVMC-20 plus, which combines precise weft straightening with fully integrated process control.

Brazilian market leader Cedro Têxtil focuses on greater efficiency, sustainability, and product quality with Brückner

After more than 150 years of company history, Cedro Têxtil is once again embracing the challenges of a changing industry. Widely recognized as the largest manufacturer of workwear fabrics in Latin America, the Brazilian textile company continues to invest in the modernization of its production facilities. A key milestone in this process was the decision to install a state-of-the-art Brückner stenter frame just over a year ago.

Vandewiele to showcase weaving innovations and automation solutions at ITMA Asia 2026

At ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026, taking place from November 20 to 24 in Shanghai, Vandewiele will present a broad range of technologies for weaving, carpet manufacturing, tufting, yarn processing and automation. The company's innovations focus on increasing productivity, improving process efficiency, reducing resource consumption and providing greater flexibility in textile manufacturing. Visitors can explore the latest developments at Booth D01 in Hall 3 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC).

KARL MAYER expands TM WEFT capabilities for fashion fabrics at ITMA ASIA 2026

A new E 36 gauge, an EL pattern drive and improved yarn tension regulation extend the application possibilities of KARL MAYER's TM WEFT warp knitting machine. At ITMA ASIA 2026, the company will demonstrate the developments alongside a collection of woven-like warp knitted fabrics for fashion and apparel.

Textiles Recycling Expo USA 2027 opens registration and expands with manufacturing exhibition

The second edition of Textiles Recycling Expo USA will take place on 7–8 April 2027 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Following a debut that attracted more than 1,800 visitors and 95 exhibitors, the event will expand its exhibition and conference programme and will be held alongside the new Textiles Manufacturing Expo.