AirDye Textile Technology: Is Water Pollution Passé?

Millions and millions of gallons of water are wasted annually in the production of textiles, which are submerged and then rinsed in water as part of the manufacturing process. According to an estimate made by the World Bank, 17 to 20 % of industrial water pollution  derives exclusively from textile dyeing and treatment. Adding to the problem are 72 toxic chemicals in water that are the direct result of textile dyeing, 30 of which cannot ever be eradicated. This appalling situation has been addressed by AirDye technology, which  eliminates water and the noxious chemicals associated with dye baths.

AirDye Handbag: Source: EluxeMagazine.com

How does AirDye technology work?

With AirDye technology, the process is two-sided, unlike traditional heat transfer printing. This is possible due to special textile printing machines that color one or both sides of the fabric at the same time. The process begins by utilizing all synthetic fibers for its material. No water and no post-treatment or finishing is necessary. Unlike rotary screen wet printing, each side of the fabric can be independantly colored. AirDye technology opens a new door into design possibilities that include the potential to contrast or match two sides of the same fabric with either  prints or solids.

Instead of working from a conventional "color library" or trying to match "color profiles," AirDye proprietary software computes color instructions by interpreting, formulating and applying them to match the reflectance curve of the target colors. (Every color has its typical spectral curve. This term refers to the specific wave- lengths on the incoming light that the color pigments absorb.) This digital technique makes it possible for AirDye technology to create a color match under a specific lighting condition.

Air Dye Fabric Cluster: Source: Fastcompany.com

Is AirDye technology as good as it sounds?

It is easy to say that a product or company has a 'green' or 'eco-friendly' agenda, but the truth usually lies a bit deeper than politically correct words. Created by Colorep, AirDye not only reduces the water used for dyeing textiles by 90%, it also decreases the emissions and energy utilized by 85% because drying textiles until now has required extreme heat. The focus of sustainable textile production before the advent of AirDye technology centered on the fabrics and not the dyeing process itself.

Air Dye Dresses: Source; Treehugger.com

Other aspects of AirDye technology

This technology opens up new areas of the globe for localizing textile production in regions that lack water resources. It should also be noted that all paper utilized is recycled and all dyes are inert, meaning that they can be reused and returned to their original state.

The future of AirDye technology

AirDye technology is destined to increase efficiency in power usage, power sources and the direct application of dye without a carrier. It is a boon to retailers, as according to Raybin, "this enables the manufacturer to make what they sell rather than trying to sell  what they make."

Closing thoughts on water pollution:

Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans. ~Jacques Yves Cousteau