Novozymes signs deal for clean textile production in China

05 Dec '13

3 min read

Novozymes, the world's leading biotechnology company, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the China Knitting Industry Association (CKIA) to jointly promote the sustainable development of biological solutions in the China’s textile industry, especially the knitting industry and R & D applications, reports Chinadaily.com.cn.

The objectives of the agreement include achieving low carbon emissions, energy savings and environmental protection. Under the agreement, the two sides will cooperate in many areas, especially specific issues related to the various aspects of the knitting industry enterprises, including sewage treatment, energy conservation, etc.

Novozymes will support Chinese enterprises by providing basic tests, research and technical guidance.

Besides increasing costs, the Chinese textile industry is confronted with serious environmental problems, and CKIA expects environmental pressures to become a major problem for Chinese knitting enterprises in future. Hence, replacing out-dated technology that causes energy waste and severe pollution with sustainable, environment-friendly technology is essential for sustainable development of the Chinese knitting industry, the report states.

The application of biological enzyme technology in textile processing can not only simplify the process, improve quality, and save costs, but also have economic and environmental benefits. It is because enzymes are biological catalysts that are derived from nature and they can reduce around 1,100 kg of carbon dioxide emissions per ton of production.

As per the agreement, Novozymes will provide microbial and biologically-efficient technology for the Chinese knitting enterprises to improve the efficiency of wastewater solution facilities by reducing costs and simplifying the operational process.

In his speech, Zhang Yankai, vice chairman of the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC), said the cooperation between CKIA and Novozymes will make the Chinese textile industry more environment-friendly by raising the level of pollution control and clean production. It would also contribute in building a resource-saving and environment-friendly society, Zhang said.

Yang Shibin, chairman of CKIA said they want to address the environmental challenges facing the Chinese knitting industry through cooperation with the American and European high-tech enterprises. Yang said costs can be controlled by using biological methods to deal with environmental issues and optimizing production management, which would save manpower while increasing efficiency.

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