Denmark-based Novozymes A/S, a manufacturer of industrial enzymes and biotechnological solutions,
reports that a life cycle assessment (LCA) conducted recently by the company shows that the use of
enzymes in textile processing can reduce water and energy consumption, carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions and processing time.
According to the company, possible savings per ton of knitted fabric include up to 70,000
liters of water and 1 ton of CO2, in addition to a 20- to 25-percent reduction in processing time.
Hong Kong-based textile and apparel manufacturer Esquel Group has conducted several trials in which
Novozymes solutions were applied at different production stages and reported that the use of
Novozymes enzymatic solution in place of conventional technology enabled it to save 30 cubic meters
of water per ton of knitted fabric just in the bleaching process.
“Novozymes’ solutions can contribute to decreasing dependence in the textile industry on
chemicals, lower consumption of energy and water, and bring down costs — all while maintaining
superior product quality,” said Sebastian Søderberg, Novozymes’ business development &
marketing director — Textile & Leather.
The company notes that with the use of enzymes, water consumption is reduced because
processes can be combined, effluent toxicity is reduced, and fewer rinses are required after one
process than when traditional chemicals are used. In addition, the enzymes degrade quickly into
harmless compounds; and because they are catalytic, smaller amounts are required for textile
processing compared to conventional chemical requirements. A further benefit is reduced costs for
treatment of water and effluent.
April 5, 2011
