How can enzymes help?
What is scouring in textile processing?
Wax is a natural impurity that can hinder the dyeing process in textiles. That’s because pectin acts like a glue that binds the wax to the fiber. To remove the wax, you need to remove the pectin. This is done via a process called scouring.
Conventional scouring is a three-step process that involves high temperatures and strong alkaline and bleaching chemicals and lots of water. This damages the cotton and goes against the wishes of consumers, who are increasingly demanding more sustainable clothing.
Textile manufacturers must find ways to produce more sustainable textiles. Bioscouring offers clear quality, cost, time and environmental savings over conventional scouring. It’s a one-step process that takes place at lower temperatures and reduces the need for chemicals.
Go from three baths to one with BioPrep®
Conventional scouring involves chemical neutralization and thorough rinsing. That's why it accounts for 25% of water used in cotton knit manufacturing. It also needs very high temperatures, leading to high energy spend and requires strong alkaline and bleaching chemicals. These add high chemical loads to mills’ effluent.
Conventional scouring involves a three-bath process. BioPrep® only needs one bath. This saves energy, water and time.
The end-result may also look better. BioPrep® gives instant absorbency for an even dyeing result. It works with a wide range of colors – from dark to medium shades. Fabrics pretreated with BioPrep® lose less strength and weight than conventionally pretreated fabrics. They also stay soft for longer.
Learn more about sustainable textile scouring with enzymes
Your cotton mill can save on water, energy and time with BioPrep®. It can also cut the volume and chemical load of its effluent.
Benefits of the Bioprep®
- Save 67% water
- Save 50% time
- Save 50% energy
