CLEVELAND — July 12, 2021 — From the clothes we wear to the upholstery in the cars we drive, color plays a major role in creating consumer appeal. However, the way color is added to fibers directly affects the sustainability of the final fabric. Conventional bath dyeing requires substantial amounts of water and energy, resulting in wastewater, chemical disposal, and carbon emissions.
Avient Corp. is a formulator of colors and additives for fibers colored using a process that eliminates conventional bath dyeing. Known as solution dyeing or spin dyeing, this process requires up to 90 percent less water and 60 percent less energy, reduces carbon dioxide emissions, and cuts down on chemical use. Solution-dyed fibers are created when polymers are mixed with a specialized colorant and additive masterbatch, then melted. The liquid is pushed through a spinneret to create colored fibers, and the resulting fabric needs no further dyeing.
“We at Avient are experienced and well-positioned in this technology, which represents a sustainable alternative to the way that fabrics are made, one that promises to conserve water and energy while reducing carbon emissions and chemical waste,” said Walter Ripple, vice president, Sustainability, Avient.
The global synthetic fibers market, including the use of recycled content, is projected to increase from $62.7 billion in 2021 to $99.8 billion by 2025, at a 6.6-percent CAGR, according to Grand View Research.* Solution dyeing currently represents only a fraction of this market, yet is forecast to grow as textile producers and brand owners seek to become more sustainable to meet consumer and regulatory demand.
“We work with major brands and textile producers at our ten fully equipped fiber labs located strategically around the world,” Ripple added. “From clothing, technical textiles, and automotive interiors to nonwovens and artificial turf, we enable fibers with brilliant, sustainable color and industry-leading performance.”
* Synthetic Fibers Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report, Grand View Research, March 2021
Posted July 13, 2021
Source: Avient Corporation
