Tavemex second in world to install Monforts Eco Denim Line

Tavemex’s installed capacity is now 2 million metres per month. A portion of its current production is gradually being moved from the existing stenters to the new Eco Denim Line. "Our main reason for investing in the Eco Denim Line at this time was to satisfy those of our customers who have been requesting us, more and more, to use less water in dyeing and finishing. They themselves have been trying to use less water in their garment production, to the point in some instances of softening fabrics to break the starch and avoid using water. Their need is to meet stringent environmental standards, and also to respond to strong customer demand for more environmentally friendly products," said Arturo Ornelas Elizondo, Tavemex’s industrial director.

"We use our own well for water supply, so the water cost is relatively low, but we are saving more than 80 per cent on water usage, and this will enable our customers to label their products in the stores respectively," added Elizondo.

The Monforts Eco Line innovation uses a modified Thermex Hotflue Chamber that generates the necessary moisture and temperature for making the denim stretchable, whilst incorporating a soft stretching of the fabric by using many rollers instead of only the one or two in a traditional stretching unit. This consequently saves on the volume of water needed to generate the steam, and also saves on the amount of energy required to convert the water to steam.

"We are still in the process of transferring the production from the traditional stenters to the Eco Denim Line, but we estimate that ultimately we shall save between 20 and 30 per cent on steam generation," said Elizondo.

The new installation includes a Monforts Eco applicator, which applies the chemicals, replacing a conventional padder. This reduces the drying needs and therefore energy consumption, due to the fact that the Eco applicator applies less moisture to the fabric.

"Less water usage also means less wastewater, and again although this has little effect in financial savings, the environmental aspects are very beneficial. This will also give us the opportunity to improve our wastewater plant to the latest European standards," he added. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India