The colour revolution in textiles

The ecological impact of a garment takes into account all stages of the manufacturing process. Dyeing is one of them, and it is an important part of the textile industry’s pollution cycle. Thus, actors in the textile industry are seeking to propose eco-responsible and innovative alternatives. Colour is therefore becoming an ecological issue: this is how Twine Solutions is making its contribution with a major technological revolution.

The ecological impact of textile dyeing

The manufacture and use of synthetic dyes are two important factors in the environmental impact of a garment. A 200g T-shirt, for example, would use between 16 and 18 litres of water just to be dyed. In addition to the exorbitant water consumption, the textile product only absorbs 80% of the dye used. So, although some companies try to recover these residues, the vast majority pollute the water with the chromium, copper, cobalt and zinc contained in these dyes. Every year, more than 40,000 tonnes of dyes end up in waterways. This disastrous figure has prompted the textile industry to take action for more responsible and ecological production.

color textile tout vert — Photo credit: tout vert

Digital colouring by Twine Solutions

This is in fact the case with the company Twine Solutions. The start-up founded in Israel in 2015 unveiled the world’s first digital yarn dyeing system at the ITMA show in Barcelona in 2019. This international textile machinery show is now a leading exhibition showcasing the latest trends and technologies in the textile industry.

The company describes its groundbreaking innovation as “easy, clean, efficient, cost-effective, and most importantly, sustainable”. It offers this system to brands and manufacturers in the textile and clothing industry who are looking for ways to minimise their environmental impact. In addition to the voluntary aspect of producing better, the award-winning technology start-up is getting ahead of the game by anticipating future environmental regulations.

This revolution involves dealing with the often overlooked base of the garment: the yarn. The system digitally dyes a raw white yarn that can be used for many applications. From sportswear to shoes: everything is possible.

Digital yarn dyeing allows, among other things, to offer waterless dyeing. It reduces atmospheric emissions by reducing logistics and the transport of samples, as it is done in-house. It minimises waste by dyeing the amount of yarns needed: no less and no more. It advocates a green technology that has the minimum possible chemical waste.

This revolutionary system is revolutionising colour in textiles. This innovation improves supply chains and reduces operating costs while improving the sustainability of the companies involved. This is the key to more environmentally friendly and innovative production in the future.