The dyeing and finishing sector has long been under scrutiny for its detrimental impact on people and the planet. Particularly now – as fashion trends from the 90s and early 2000s undergo fast popularisation and revival – the textile industry must prioritise the uncovering of sustainable alternatives to unsustainable effects such as acid washing and reflective materials. In summary, amid newfound consumer demand for throwback technical details, the industry must push forward with research and development (R&D) in effects.

As such, WTiN’s: Innovate: Sustainable Effects virtual conference, which took place on 8 October 2024, discussed the use of technology, materials and methods that allow for the development of sustainable effects in the dyeing, finishing and printing industries.

The one-day conference dove deep into both the pressures on the industry to develop new sustainable technologies and how manufacturers and brands are already adopting advanced innovations such as plant-based dyes and ozone machines to sustainably laser denim.

Water consumption
Michael Schuhmann, global market segment expert technical textiles, of Archroma, concisely explained the main industry challenges facing