Christian Schumacher
Advances on Wool Dyeing and Finishing
The main environmental challenges in wool dyeing & finishing are the use of hexavalent chromium in the dyeing process, AOX in anti-felting/ shrink resist finishing and mothproof agents. The alternatives discussed in this article include the use of new generation reactive dyes, plasma treatment and new generations of more environmentally friendly mothproof agents. Continue reading
Ionic liquids for the textile industry – part 2
Part 2 of this article reviews ionic liquids, a comparably new substance class, for applications in the textile industry. In particular, fibre manufacturing and coloration. Continue reading
Ionic liquids for the textile industry – part 1
The article reviews and discusses ionic liquids, a comparably new substance class, for the potential applications in the textile industry. This relates to fibre manufacturing and coloration. Continue reading
Hemp as a sustainable textile fibre?
Hemp is discussed as a more sustainable alternative to cotton. There are many environmental advantages of hemp compared to cotton. However, the advantages are partly offset by various technical challenges. Continue reading
Amazon´s On Demand Textiles Manufacturing
A US patent for on demand textiles manufacturing has been granted to the e-commerce giant Amazon. Can it redefine fast-fashion? Continue reading
Carbon Concrete Researchers win German Future Prize 2016
Carbon Concrete researchers of Technische Universität Dresden in Germany win the German Future Prize 2016. The new material could possibly replace steel enforced concrete in the construction industry, due to better performance. Continue reading
Global Innovation Index 2016: Switzerland is the most innovative country
According to the Global Innovation Index 2016, Switzerland, followed by Sweden, UK and USA are the most innovative countries. 8 of top 10 are in Europe. Germany is in 10th place of the innovation index. Continue reading
Detox in the textile industry – real progress or Potemkin villages? Part 2
In this article we cast light on the progress of the Detox campaign in the textile industry. Detox is an initiative started by the environmental activist organization Greenpeace to eliminate hazardous chemicals from the supply chain of global fashion brands. In part 2 we will look a deeper at the progress of Detox at the fashion brands who have received credit for good progress in Detox: H&M, Benetton and Zara (Inditex). Continue reading
Detox in the textile industry – real progress or Potemkin villages? Part 1
We cast light on the progress of the Detox campaign in the fashion & textile industry. Detox is an initiative started by Greenpeace to challenge the business practice of global fashion brands who source from suppliers allegedly polluting the environment with hazardous chemicals. Their aim is to eliminate the discharge of hazardous chemicals from the effluents of textile processing factories by the year 2020. Continue reading
Dyeing with supercritical CO2 – finally a success story?
Dyeing in supercritical CO2 could finally be on track for success after 25 years of development. Originally an idea of German universities, it was developed and brought to market by the Dutch start-up company DyeCoo. With this innovative, environmentally friendly and water-free dyeing technology, today sportswear textiles made of polyester are produced in Asia for the brands of adidas and Nike. Continue reading