Page 81 - TEXtalks. August- September 2023

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Biopolishing

a breakthrough solution to

resolve the quality challenge

Biopolishing also delivers more sustainable textiles Circular fashion involves taking the whole life cycle of
by helping consumers keep clothes for longer. It can a garment into account. To close the loop, retailers
keep cotton looking and feeling new for at least 20% are exploring ways to turn end-of-life into a new
longer, and MMCF for at least 60 washes. According beginning. There are a number of challenges associ-
to WRAP, extending the value of clothes to consumers
ated with turning clothes sent for recycling into new
is key to reducing their environmental impacts.
clothing. However, one of these is the fuzz and pills
that form on garments over time. These can make
The organization’s “valuing our clothes” report
them unsuitable for resale. One wash with our
estimates that extending half of UK clothing’s active
biopolishing enzymes removes fuzz and pills from
life by just nine months would lead to a range of
sustainability benefits. Per metric tonne of clothing, cotton and other popular fabrics. For industrial
savings of 8% in carbon equivalents, 10% in water, laundries, this is a chance to support brands and
and 4% in waste could be achieved. retailers in their mission to close the fashion loop.

Chemical auxiliaries

from organic material

and waste

Chemical auxiliaries derived from organic waste production can be challenging, as it may vary
offer diverse functional properties suitable for depending on seasonal and regional factors.
various textile treatments. These properties may Ensuring a stable and reliable supply of feedstock is
include water-repellents, softeners, wicking and critical for consistent production.
dispersing agents, and dye-auxiliary capabilities
among other process and effect chemicals. Furthermore, transforming organic waste into
high-quality chemical auxiliaries can involve complex
Researchers and manufacturers are striving to processes and technology. Developing efficient and
ensure that chemical auxiliaries from organic waste cost-effective methods is essential to make this
are compatible with existing textile treatment approach viable on an industrial scale. Overcoming
processes and deliver performance comparable to market acceptance challenges and changing
conventional auxiliaries. The availability and consumer perceptions about products made from
consistency of organic waste feedstock that does organic-based chemical auxiliaries require effective
not compete with animal feeding and bio-fuel communication and education.

August/September 2023