Vijayeswari Textiles in Coimbatore specialises in high quality home textiles to leading US and European retail chains. It is one of India’s few textile mills to have zero discharges of effluents, because it has invested USD 350,000 in its own wastewater treatment plant capable of treating 600 cubic metres per day. Other companies send their wastewater to a local effluent treatment plant.
90% reduction of chemicals
At the Indian textile mill, effluent is neutralised by using polymers. This is followed by treating the waste stream with microorganisms from Novozymes Biologicals ensuring a 90% reduction in biochemical and chemical oxygen demand. The final step involves passing through a diverse osmosis system for recovery of up to 65% of the water. Currently, about 230 cubic metres of water is used every day in the mill processes without releasing one single drop.
With technical support from Novozymes, the Indian textile mill uses a biological scouring process with Scourzyme ® L for removal of non-cellulosic components and other impurities found in native cotton. In this way, the fabric gets prepared for bleaching and dying. Apart from Scourzyme ® L, the amylase Aquazym® is used for starch removal and the cellulase Cellusoft® for bio-polishing in the finishing stage.
Making a difference
Vijayeswari Textiles uses its social and environmental performance to differentiate itself from its competitors in a tough market. The company is strongly committed to new technology and protecting the environment.
Before switching to bio-scouring, a conventional alkaline chemical scouring system was used. Vijayeswari Textiles gives the following reasons for the switch:
§ The process is eco-friendly and gives a cleaner effluent
§ Consumers prefer fabric prepared in an eco-friendly way
§ The process is milder and does not alter the structure of the cotton, enabling the retention of natural properties
§ Efficient removal of starch and pectins enhances properties such as wettability and bleachability
Traditionally, highly alkaline chemicals such as sodium hydroxide are used for scouring. The chemicals not only remove the impurities, but also attack the cellulose, leading to a reduction in the strength and weight of the cotton-fabric.