Sustainability is a reality say speakers at SDC conference

With the alternates available in terms of chemical inputs, machinery and processing techniques, sustainability is certainly a reality and not a mirage anymore said speakers at the recently held 11th International Conference themed ‘Innovations for Sustainable Textile Production ... Connecting the Dots’, organised by the Society of Dyers and Colourists-Education Charity (SDC-EC, India) in Mumbai.

 

With the alternates available in terms of chemical inputs, machinery and processing techniques, sustainability is certainly a reality and not a mirage#

In his key note address at the conference, Punit Lalbhai, executive director, Arvind, listed the key factors that will drive growth—higher farmer incomes, cost saving, yield improvement, liquidity and transparency, capacity building, lasting social infrastructure and profitable value-chain integration.

 

With the alternates available in terms of chemical inputs, machinery and processing techniques, sustainability is certainly a reality and not a mirage#

Lalbhai also spoke on the breakthrough innovations of affordable zero liquid discharge through biological and chemical methods. He stressed that a united value chain is essential to bridge the gap and the meet the challenge of putting sustainability theories into practice.

 

With the alternates available in terms of chemical inputs, machinery and processing techniques, sustainability is certainly a reality and not a mirage#

As Arvind is working with both Organic cotton and the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), he opined that organic farming can give good results even where irrigation is less and the soil is not so good; whereas BCI can be more suitable in high yield environments. Selection of the right area and right technique are important in the decision making as India has suitable areas for both options.

 

With the alternates available in terms of chemical inputs, machinery and processing techniques, sustainability is certainly a reality and not a mirage#

Various innovative ideas and latest technological innovations were discussed as a means to achieve sustainable textile production in the inaugural panel discussion on ‘Sustainability: Mirage or Reality?’ Panelists comprising Mujeeb-UR-Rahman (representing ETAD), Lutz Lehmann (Hermes Hansecontrol Group), Prof Wolfgang Schrott (HOF University of Applied Sciences), Sasanka S Aich (Welspun) and Szilard Szarvas (LS & Co) said sustainability certainly a reality and not a mirage anymore due to the increasing number of alternates available in terms of chemical inputs, machinery and processing techniques.

 

With the alternates available in terms of chemical inputs, machinery and processing techniques, sustainability is certainly a reality and not a mirage#

Some of the technical options discussed were post-wash recovery, low temperature processing, nanofiltration, foam technology and use of electronic sensors in the dye-house, etc. Using services of Risk Solution Provider was also noticed as a rewarding option, specially for the beginners.

 

With the alternates available in terms of chemical inputs, machinery and processing techniques, sustainability is certainly a reality and not a mirage#

The panel discussion was followed by three technical sessions, with each session having three technical presentations.

 

With the alternates available in terms of chemical inputs, machinery and processing techniques, sustainability is certainly a reality and not a mirage#

In the first session, under the theme ‘Selecting Sustainable Fibres’ Dr. Binay Kumar Choudhury (CUICIPL) spoke about implementation of the principles of health, ecology, fairness and care. He opined that organic fibres are the best option in the field of sustainable fibres and also spoke on other sustainability programmes in fibres. He gave detailed overview of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of different fibres and also spoke on benefits to the Brands by switching to sustainable fibres.