Livinguard EFD enables resource-efficient cellulose dyeing

(CONNECT) Livinguard Technologies AG, which is based in Pfäffikon in the Swiss canton of Schwyz, has developed a new technology that enables cellulose to be dyed without the use of salt. Livinguard EFD technology is expected to offer dyeing mills cost savings of up to 20 per cent by almost entirely eliminating the need for washing the fabric after dyeing, which is an excessive process, according to a statement. This significantly reduces water and energy consumption, and reduces the amount of wastewater contaminated with dye.

EFD technology is a chemical agent for the preliminary cationization of cellulose. The positive chemical charge of the treated fabric enables salt-free reactive dyeing with higher dye uptake and dye adsorption, explains the statement. While conventional dyeing requires unfixed dyes to be removed by thorough washing at high temperatures, Livinguard EFD eliminates this part of the process. In addition to cost savings, production processes can be shortened by up to 40 per cent, enabling dyeing companies to increase their production capacity without capital investment, writes the company.

Estimates suggest that the technology could save up to 190 billion liters of water and up to seven million tons of CO2 annually. “With this technology, we can make a significant contribution to reducing the textile industry's immense water consumption and the pollution caused by toxic wastewater,” Sanjeev Swamy, CEO and founder of Livinguard Technologies, is quoted as saying.

Livinguard EFD technology is currently being further validated with partners in research and development. It is also being tested with pilot customers worldwide. Official marketing is scheduled for summer 2025. Possible applications of the technology for dyeing other substrates such as nylon, silk, wool, or leather are currently being investigated. ce/nta