Water-Saving Dyeing Process: A Sustainable Approach for Exhaust Dyeing of Cotton Fabric

Abstract

Abstract The global demand for water conservation and sustainability in textile manufacturing is imperative in addressing the scarcity of fresh water and environmental pollution. This study introduces an innovative water-saving process for exhaust dyeing of cotton fabrics with reactive dyes, without compromising the dyeing quality or requiring extra investments. Traditional textile dyeing practices consume approximately 120 liters of fresh water per kilogram of cotton fabric, contributing to environmental degradation. In this research, a process modification is proposed that recycles water used for neutralization and rinsing at the second step of the dyeing process. This recycled water is utilized in the fourth step, effectively reducing the total water consumption to 104 liters per kilogram of fabric, thus saving 16 liters per kilogram without any additional investment. The dyed fabrics produced using this water-saving process exhibit excellent colorfastness, matching the quality of conventionally dyed textiles. The color fastness to light, washing, rubbing, and perspiration meets international standards. CMC tests indicate no significant differences compared to the existing dyeing process. Implementing this eco-friendly approach can not only significantly reduce water consumption and wastewater generation but also diminish the need for costly water treatment and effluent management facilities. This research paves the way for cleaner production in the textile industry, promoting water conservation, reducing environmental pollution, and minimizing production costs.