February 2020 Issue Apparel February 2020 issue | Page 78

FEATURE RECYCROM™ HAS BEEN PREPARED USING RECYCLED CLOTHING, TEXTILE SCRAPS, AND FIBRES. which is chemically linked to a polymer particle. The colouring takes place when this dye reacts with cellulose fibres at temperatures as low as 25°C. The best part about this technology is that it doesn’t require the use of salt, and it consumes the least energy and water. Moreover, when dyeing denim, it does not require traditional and toxic reducing agents. In addition to this, clothes dyed with this additive do not require harsh washing-off, which, otherwise, leads to wastage and causes environmental harm. And with H2COLOR-AUX, hydrolysis is prevented too. This, together with the absence of toxic agents, helps to save water during the dyeing process to a considerable extent. likely to take shape, here are a few techniques and processes with a low environmental footprint that reputed brands are employing to colour their clothes: HYBRID DYES FOR DENIM Reputed dyeing company Ecofoot has developed H2COLOR-AUX technology for dyeing. This hybrid pigment consists of a dye, 70 I APPAREL I February 2020 POWDER DYES Another company, Officina+39, has developed a sustainable dye range titled Recycrom™, as an alternative to harmful synthetic dyes. What is interesting is that Recycrom™ has been prepared using recycled clothing, textile scraps, and fibres. It does not only reduce the after- effects of synthetic dyes but also, through its ingredients, cuts down their chemical backbone. These dyes are prepared using a sophisticated eight-step system, wherein all the fibres are crystallised into an extremely fine powder that can be used as a pigment to dye fabrics and garments made of cotton, wool, nylon, and many others. What’s more? The application of this dye is easy—it can be applied as a suspension, unlike other dyes that are applied using a chemical solution. This application technique favours the environment and reduces the harm that toxins create and propagate.