bbc.com
Sustainable Textile Dyeing: A Technological Revolution
Alchemie Technology is revolutionizing textile dyeing with its water-saving digital process, aiming to significantly reduce the fashion industry's environmental impact.
Spanish
United Kingdom
TechnologyClimate ChangeLifestyleEnergy SecurityEnvironmentSustainabilityInnovationFashion
Alchemie TechnologyWorld Resources InstituteUnited Nations Environment ProgrammeNtxInditex
Alan HuddRyan ChenMatthew AvisKirsi Niinimäki
- What are Alchemie Technology's plans for the future?
- Alchemie plans to expand its operations to South Asia and Portugal in 2025, testing its machine with cotton and addressing challenges like operating in hotter, more humid climates.
- What are the challenges Alchemie faces in scaling its technology?
- While promising, scaling Alchemie's technology to meet the massive demands of large fashion companies like Inditex will require many Endeavour machines operating simultaneously.
- What is the main environmental impact of traditional textile dyeing?
- Alchemie Technology's Endeavour machine uses a digital dyeing process that reduces water consumption by 95%, energy consumption by 85%, and is three to five times faster than traditional methods.
- Are there other companies working on similar waterless dyeing technologies?
- Other companies like NTX and Imogo are developing waterless or low-water dyeing processes, but further research and long-term studies are needed to confirm their efficacy and durability.
- How does Alchemie Technology's Endeavour machine aim to improve the dyeing process?
- The traditional textile dyeing process involves submerging fabric in hot water for hours, generating tons of toxic wastewater. This process is responsible for a significant portion of the fashion industry's environmental impact.