Lenzing And Cobalt Fashion Partner With Exponent Envirotech To Revolutionize Fashion With ECOHUES™ Waterless Dyeing Technology
Image By Courtesy of LENZING
June 6, 2024 – Lenzing, Austria – Lenzing Group, a leading global producer of wood-based specialty fibers, has partnered with technology start-up Exponent Envirotech to introduce ECOHUES™, a waterless dyeing technology for wood-based cellulosic fibers.
This groundbreaking collaboration, in partnership with innovative knitwear manufacturer Cobalt Fashion, is set to transform the textile industry by offering sustainable and vibrant yarn alternatives.
A Game-Changer in Sustainable Fashion
ECOHUES™ is an innovative dyeing technology that utilizes a recyclable non-aqueous solvent, significantly reducing water and dye usage by 95% and 40%1, respectively. For the first time, this technology will be applied to TENCEL™ branded lyocell and modal fibers, as well as LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded viscose fibers, which are certified with the EU Ecolabel for environmental excellence2.
Rex Mok, Director of Technical Marketing and Development for Lenzing's Global Textiles Business, stated, "At Lenzing, we are constantly collaborating with partners to identify innovative solutions that not only ensure product quality but also strive to reduce usage of our planet’s resources. The collaboration with Exponent Envirotech and Cobalt Fashion is a testament to such dedication, as we bring scalable innovations to the textile value chain.”
ECOHUES™: Innovative and Efficient
Traditional dyeing processes consume approximately 120 tons of water per ton of yarn. ECOHUES™ replaces water with a non-aqueous solvent that is 99.8% reusable, streamlining pre-treatment and finishing processes. This results in a 95% reduction in water usage, a halving of dyeing duration from 12 hours to 6-8 hours, and a significant decrease in energy and cost.
Additionally, ECOHUES™ eliminates the need for salt, addressing the high salinity issue in textile wastewater. With a 40% reduction in dye use and a color fixation rate of over 97%, the technology ensures superior color performance and stability compared to traditional methods.
A Sustainable Future for Fashion
The integration of TENCEL™ and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers, which already boast at least 50% less carbon emissions and water consumption4, with ECOHUES™ technology offers a more responsible choice for customers and brand partners. Wesley Choi, Chairman of Exponent Envirotech, commented, “As a company dedicated to sustainable and energy-optimization solutions for the industry, Exponent Envirotech has been a champion of environmental-friendly innovation since day one. This project integrates sustainable production practices with responsible materials, forging a new standard for resource-efficient and environmentally friendly fashion production within the industry.”
Transforming the Textile Value Chain
The power of collaboration is evident in the potential applications of ECOHUES™ technology across various segments, including innerwear, ready-to-wear, activewear, and footwear. This partnership not only marks a significant step towards more sustainable fashion production but also positions the involved companies as pioneers in the industry-wide shift towards more ethical and eco-friendly practices.
About Lenzing Group
Lenzing Group is a leading global producer of wood-based specialty fibers.
The company is committed to driving sustainability and innovation within the textile industry.
About Exponent Envirotech
Exponent Envirotech is a technology start-up focused on developing sustainable and energy-optimized solutions for the textile industry.
About Cobalt Fashion
Cobalt Fashion is a Hong Kong-based innovative knitwear manufacturer committed to integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices into its production processes.
