Cary, N.C.-based Cotton Incorporated — a research and marketing company representing upland cotton
— and DuPont Industrial Biosciences — a business unit of Wilmington, Del.-based DuPont —
recently reported the results of a joint trial in which they evaluated the effectiveness of
biobased enzymes in preparing cotton knit textiles, compared to that of traditional processing
chemicals. The trials showed that a combination of biobased enzymes can replace caustic chemicals
in cotton textile processing, while at the same time reducing water and energy consumption and
processing time.
“Bio-enzymes, such as our PrimaGreen® products, have for some time offered a sustainable
alternative to chemicals typically used in textile preparation,” said Nico van Schoot, marketing
manager, DuPont Industrial Biosciences. “As these trial results illustrate, bio-enzymes also can
provide practical business advantages in terms of processing time and associated costs.”
On average, reductions included 70 percent of water, 33 percent of steam, and 27 percent of
energy across all shade ranges. Cost reductions using the bio-optimized process averaged 66
percent. Time savings included 23 percent for dark shades, 27 percent for medium shades and 30
percent for light shades.
Used in combination, bio-enzymes for scouring, bleaching and dyeing reduce water usage
because the same water bath can be used for more than one process, noted trial supervisor Mary
Ankeny, director of dyeing research, Cotton Incorporated. Energy reductions stem from the fact that
textiles can be prepared at significantly reduced temperatures when bio-enzymes are used in an
optimized process compared to using traditional chemicals in traditional processes.
June 5, 2012
