Ensuring energy efficiency water conservation and cleaner production in textile processing

Abstract

Textile wet processing industry forms the basis of end of pipe value addition treatment. Vast varieties of substrates are made from natural cotton, flax (linen), silk, wool, regenerated fibres like viscose rayon, synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon, acrylic and blends which are being handled by the textile industry, as per specific end use and market needs. During the course of production, considerably larger quantities of water, chemicals, energy (heat, steam and electricity) are being consumed. The end results are major effluent generation, treatment issues to meet Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) compliance, water resources pollution, heat, greenhouse gas emissions and pressure from the environmental regulatory authorities. There is a major need for technology improvement in this needy sector of sustainable wet processing. newline