Ecology in Finishing Processes and Textile Care

Abstract

In textile finishing the possibility of substituting detrimental chemicals for less aggressive and biodegradable ones has been investigated intensely for years. Stricter and stricter regulations are passed. Many chemicals are forbidden or their maximum permissible amount to be used is restricted. New methods, effective chemicals, water purification and recycling and its reintroduction into the process are beeng introduced. It concerns short liquor ratios and new dye groups are introduced. Similar measures are also taken in the textile care. Eutrophin phosphates are substituted for other builders. By introduction of enzymes and bleaching activators efficient washing at lower temperatures resulting in lower detergent, water and energy consumption is facilitated. Hardly degradable surfactants have been substituted for biodegradable ones. Permissible perchlorethylene consumption should not exceed 2 % of the amount in cleaned textile goods. Possibilities to use new environment-friendly solvents are examined. Sewn-in labels in textile products determine regulations of the textile care, mark quality and sometimes ecological value. Special eco-symbols provide information whether a textile product is manufactured in an environment-friendly way, and whether it contains detrimental substances.