Cellulosic fibers are anionic and thus repulse anionic reactive dye molecules. In a conventional dyeing process this is overcome through the addition of salt to exhaust the dyestuff on the fabric.
In a pre-treatment step, Livinguard EFD is applied and forms strong covalent bonds with the cellulosic fibers. At the same time, the technology provides cationic groups to attract anionic dye molecules (to exhaust dyes without salt).
As reactive dye and alkali are added to the dyebath, the dye reacts with the cellulosic fiber forming covalent bonds. Dye molecules which reacted with water (hydrolyzed dye molecules) are strongly adsorbed by the cationic charges of Livinguard EFD.
Neutralization removes excess alkali but no dye molecules (colorless drain). No further washing is required as all dye molecules are strongly bound to the fiber.
Legend:
Covalently bound dyes
Hydrolyzed dyes
Livinguard EFD
Up to 20% processing cost savings
From reduction of energy, water, wastewater, dyes & auxiliaries (e.g. salt, soap, fixing agents)
Up to 40% productivity increase
From reduction of process time required for dyeing & washing/soaping post dyeing
Up to 30% production capacity increase
Without requiring any new capital investment into new equipment
Up to 50% energy savings
Due to eradication of hot washing post dyeing and reduction of effluent treatments
Complete eradication of salt from the dyeing
Simplifying effluent treatments and improving ability to recirculate water in the dyeing process
Up to 50% water & wastewater savings
Due to eradication of washing post dyeing, and almost complete dye exhaustion without salt
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Credible sustainability improvements to present to brands that are looking to reduce their scope 3 GHG emissions and meet their sustainability goals
Lower dosage of dyestuffs
Up to 20% lower dosing of dyestuffs and lower dye burden in the effluent due to higher dye uptake
Chemical additive optimization
Partial or complete substitution of other chemical additives (e.g. fixing agents) from the process
1.7 USD / kg
430 mins
4.4 kWh / kg
91L / kg
Conventional process – example medium/dark shades
1.3 USD / kg
250 mins
2.1 kWh / kg
48L / kg
Livinguard EFD process – example dark shades
Rubbing fastness
ISO 105-X 12:2016 or AATCC 8
Same or superior rubbing fastness as conventional process meeting or exceeding the standards for most brands
Washing fastness
ISO 105 C06:2010 or AATCC 61
Comparable washing fastness as conventional process meeting or exceeding the standards for most brands
Light fastness
ISO 105 BO 2:2014 or AATCC 16E.3:2020
Slightly inferior light fastness compared to conventional process still meeting the standards for most brands
Color depth & tone
AATCC EP 6-2016
Typically up to 25% higher color depth indicating opportunity to reduce dye concentration with slight variations in tone possible
Whitepaper - Review of Alternative Technological Approaches for Mitigation of Ecological Footprint of Cotton Dyeing
234 kB
20 Billion L /year
Water savings
650 Million Kg /year
CO2 savings
Сertification ongoing