engleski

ETHICS AND ECOLOGY IN TEXTILE CHEMICAL PROCESSING

Possibilities of substituting harmful chemicals by less aggressive and biodegradable chemicals in textile finishing have been investigated during long time. Stronger regulations have been issued. Many chemicals were banned or their maximum quantities being used are limited. New dye groups have been introduced and potentially carcinogenic dyes and dyestuffs containing harmful ions of heavy metals have been displaced. Energy and water consumption is reduced introducing heat exchange and water recuperation. The same can be stated about the processes of textile care. By introducing enzymes and bleach activators, efficient washing at lower temperatures with a lower detergent consumption is enabled. The permitted perchlorethylene consumption must not exceed 2 % of the amount of dry cleaned textiles. Hydrocarbon solvents partly substitute perchlorethylene. Possibilities of the application of new solvents are being investigated of which liquid carbon dioxide has the best prospects. Sewn-in labels prescribe care regulations, textile quality and sometimes environmental values (eco-labels). They determine whether the textile product is manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner and whether harmful substances are contained. In this way they protect the consumer. Environmental protection, quality label and proper care of textiles are primary ethic issues.

textiles; ethics; ecology; finishing; texcare; eco-labels

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