Material ConneXion Inc., New York City, has named the Netherlands-based DyeCoo Textile Systems BV winner of the third annual MEDIUM Award for Material of the Year for its waterless dyeing technology. The award recognizes materials and processes juried into Material ConneXion's materials library within the past year that demonstrate outstanding technological innovation and the potential to make a significant contribution to the advancement of design, industry, society and the economy.

DyeCoo's supercritical fluid carbon dioxide (CO2) technology uses recycled CO2 instead of water, and eliminates the need for auxiliary chemicals and drying. Currently, the technology is used to dye polyester fabrics, but DyeCoo is conducting research to extend its application to other man-made-fiber and natural fabrics as well.

"DyeCoo's new process has the potential to significantly lower the environmental impact of dyeing," said Dr. Andrew H. Dent, vice president, Materials Research, Material ConneXion. "The elimination of process water and chemicals are a breakthrough for the textile dyeing industry. Combine that with the reduction in energy use, and the process is twice as fast. The technology can also improve the quality of the dyed fabric and allows for greater control over the dyeing process, enabling new dye capabilities and transforming fabric dyeing so that it can take place just about anywhere. We chose DyeCoo as the winner of this year's award because it embodies the direction that materials and processes are taking: sustainability and high performance."

July/August 2012