Progress towards a greener textile industry

Many of the principles of the relatively new science of Green Chemistry, which aims to use resources efficiently and minimise waste, are applicable in the field of textiles. Improving product quantity and reducing environmental impact in the production and subsequent coloration of textile fibres is a realistic goal. Public interest in organically produced natural fibres has followed on from that in organically grown food, although the market for organic fibres is still relatively small. In recent years, fibre manufacturers have played their part in introducing a number of more ecologically regenerated cellulosic fibres, as well as new totally synthetic polymer fibres based on renewable raw materials. The methods that can be adopted aimed at reducing the environmental impact of fibre, dye manufacture and subsequent coloration processes, are described with particular reference to these newer fibres.