This mutually beneficial relationship will enhance sustainability in the textile industry by reducing energy, water, chemicals and processing time with innovative spray technology. In addition to equipment partnerships such as this, companies within the textile industry can partner with ZTE to utilise the pilot lab for the opportunity to test new processes and products at an industry scale, exposing them to new technologies and possibilities without interrupting their manufacturing timelines. The labs within ZTE employ student workers and are available for use in their capstone and research projects, the company said in a press release.

“We are excited to be teaming up with Zeis Textiles Extension with our precision spray technology for textile finishing,” Rick Stanford, Baldwin Technology’s vice president of global business development for textiles, said. “NC State is recognised as a global leader in research and education for the textile industry. This opportunity exposes future textile leaders to the benefits of Baldwin spray technology in finishing and serves as a test site where brands, mills, chemical providers and others in the textile supply chain are lining up to experience Baldwin's TexCoat performance and sustainability capabilities firsthand.”

With over 100 years in innovation and 35 years of experience in spray valve technology for offset printing, Baldwin is revolutionising textile finishing by employing non-contact precision spray technology such as in the TexCoatG4TM, which allows for even application of a wide range of low-viscosity water-based chemicals to one or both sides of the fabric. Compared to traditional pad applications, the system enhances productivity, efficiency and sustainability by reducing water use by up to 50 per cent, reducing drying time and energy up to 50 per cent, recycling 100 per cent of chemistry used, reducing downtime for changing or cleaning baths between fabrics and reducing water and chemical waste.

This partnership promotes Baldwin Technology and keeps Wilson College at the cutting edge of advancements in the textile industry, allowing both students and companies to gain access to this eco-friendly finishing equipment. It has the potential, therefore, to revolutionise the current industry as well as that of the future, as students graduate and take their knowledge around the world becoming the industry leaders of tomorrow.

“We consider ourselves to be the industry arm of the college, bridging the research and innovation being done between industry and academia,” Andre West, director of ZTE, said. “Our partnerships with machine manufacturers, like this one with Baldwin Tech or our partnership with Sheima Seiki, for example, help serve as a vehicle to innovation.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)