New Sustainability Series: Innovation in dyeing and finishing, and textile localisation
The fourth and fifth webinars in the SDC’s Sustainability Series have taken place.
Webinar four, themed ‘Dyeing and finishing – the innovation’, discussed new techniques and how they can be optimised to maximise profits and reduce environmental impact.
Webinar five delved deeper into ‘Localisation in the textile market – socio economic impact’ – and how small-scale local initiatives can make all the difference, for sustainable development.
The expert speakers for webinar four were Nikita Jayasuriya of The Mills Fabrica; Jana van Den Bergen of Fashion For Good; and Jim Ajioka and Dave Callaghan of Colorifix. Chairing was Anjani Prasad, managing director of Archroma India and Nepal.
Nikita shared information about funding they have made available to accelerate ‘techstyle’ and ‘agrifood tech’ innovations for sustainability and social impact, and prizes they have provided to support emerging talent at Central Saint Martins.
Jana spoke about their ‘Dry Factory of the Future’ project to shift from wet to mostly dry processing and the D(r)ye project – to combine innovations in pre-treatment and colouration – across different fibre types to find achievable solutions. Research findings will be available soon. Her presentation included a project example from Thomas Blythe of Alchemie, to implement cleantec solutions for textile and finishing.
Jim and Dave explained their biological process to produce, deposit and fix pigments onto textiles – a first for the industry – and shared comparisons with the conventional dyeing process.
The expert speakers for webinar five were Rashmi Bharti of Indian rural development organisation Avani, Nawshin Khair, creative director of Bangladeshi sustainable clothing brand, Aranya; and Sam Erahapola, Chairman, National crafts council of Sri Lanka. Chairing was Afsana Ferdousi.
Rashmi spoke about how Avani is supporting livelihoods in rural Himalayan districts. She explained how they are encouraging appropriate technology and revival of traditional craft – for example hand spinning and weaving, and the collection and cultivation of natural dyes.
Nawshin shared how Aranya, a fair-trade brand in Bangladesh is helping to safeguard artisans, local craftspeople and processes using natural dyes and textiles processing.
Sam spoke about their socio-economic approach to coloration, focusing on looking after the artisans in Sri Lanka, and sustaining small scale production models. He gave two examples – covering the Batik apparel industry, handmade designs by individual artists, and the Agave (sisal) fibre handicraft. He covered the threats these industries face, for example from expansion of production.
If you missed the fourth or fifth webinars in our new Sustainability Series and would like to find out more, you can access the recordings, free of charge below.
Dyeing and finishing – the innovation
Localisation in the textile market – socio economic impact
For subsequent webinars there will be a £20 fee for non-members, with a discount available to those watching all in the series.