How halving cotton coloration time, water and energy could be possible, thanks to a new process breakthrough

Exciting innovation to save up to 50% of time, water and energy in cotton bleaching and dyeing – without investing in new machinery – was explained at our latest webinar. 

Coloration professionals from all over the world gathered online to hear from Graham Stewart, founder of sustainable dye process Fibre52 in a much-anticipated fixture hosted by the SDC’s education manager Dr Sue Hulbert. 

Did you see it? If not there’s a chance to watch the recording – free to SDC members and £20 for non-members. At 37 minutes long, it is packed with fascinating information and insight about new possibilities for the global industry. 

Graham, originally from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK, who is now based in the United States, was talking about this new environmentally friendly way to bleach cotton using bio-based products, achieving excellent colour fastness. 

He explained: “What we’re doing is replacing the heavy ​​alkalis that have traditionally been used for decades in the preparation of cottons. We replace these with bio-products. 

“Our breakthrough was being able to catalyse the whole process, making it much shorter, saving time and energy. We’re able to use lower temperatures which is important in those sustainability savings.” 

Fibre52 aims to be an innovative solution to cotton dyeing. The transferable technology process allows textile manufacturers to continue using the same machinery they have always used by replacing harsh chemicals with inexpensive bio-products. 

Graham continued: “It can be used in any conventional machinery and it’s a much more sustainable way to bleach and dye cotton. You can save up to 50% in time, water and energy.”