JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland — June 3, 2020 — Spinnova, the sustainable fiber company, has entered long-term collaboration with the global chemicals company Kemira, to develop a highly eco-friendly inherent dyeing method of fiber. Dyeing fiber in its manufacturing process could significantly benefit both the textile industry and the environment.
Inherent dyeing in the Spinnova process means that the cellulosic fiber mass is dyed before extruding into filament. This avoids the excess use of water, energy, heavy metals and other harmful substances that go into dyeing fiber, thread and fabric as subsequent processes.
Spinnova’s sustainable fiber and the possibility of inherently dyeing the fiber could be an environmental game changer and could disrupt e.g. the denim dyeing process. The textile dyeing and finishing industry is one of the most chemically intensive industries globally, and one of the worst polluters of fresh water. The traditional textile industry uses thousands of chemicals in various processes of manufacture, including dyeing and printing.
“In addition to being the most sustainable way of dyeing, the fiber maintains this in-built color really well. We have already made some successful trials, and the results are very promising,” Spinnova’s CEO and co-founder Janne Poranen explained.
Spinnova’s innovation originates from the pulp and paper industry, which is also one of the areas of expertise for Kemira and an important focus in the company’s R&D work towards bio-based chemicals.
“We have returned to our roots in a way, to improve the quality of the product we have created, while maintaining our zero tolerance on harmful chemicals,” Poranen said.
“Kemira has strong expertise in the chemical applications for the pulp and paper industry and a long history of enabling raw water, energy, and resource efficiency for our customers. In collaboration with Spinnova, we can extend our unique know-how into the development of new innovations in the textile industry; not only in dyeing but also to improve other properties of sustainable textile fiber, such as hydrophobicity and strength,” said Kemira’s Director of Global Business Development Mats Berg.
Spinnova’s strategy is to work with brand owners in developing applications before the fibre is commercially available.
“It is humbling to see how committed brand owners are in sustainability and developing these sustainable solutions with us,” Poranen ended.
Spinnova is now looking for a brand partner for the disruptive dyeing development.
Posted June 3, 2020
Source: Spinnova
