In order to prevent subsequent shedding in household laundering, Inditex and Jeanologia created the Air Fibre Washer, the first industrial air system intended to extract microfibers during garment manufacture.
Small particles known as microfibers, which are shed from textiles, especially during initial domestic washes, are less than 15 millimetres in length. The limitations in current industrial capacities for water treatment make this one of the biggest issues for the textile industry.
The Air Fibre Washer was developed with the goal of decreasing the release of microfibers in early washes thanks to a unique industrial pretreatment that successfully removes these particles. It will be displayed 8–14 June at the ITMA international textile technology fair in Milan.
This new discovery uses cutting-edge technology to reduce microfiber shedding by up to 60% by using air, without using water or heating energy, and without sacrificing factors like fabric quality. In order to move us closer to a circular economy with zero waste, its dynamic air flow separates the microfibers from the clothing and collects them in containment bags for potential recycling. Depending on the fabric type and machine settings like loading and movement, each Air Fibre Washer can collect up to 325 kg of microfibers annually.
A technology made available to the entire textile industry
Both businesses will work together to reduce microfiber shedding, and as part of that endeavour, this technology will be freely given to the industry.
Enrique Silla, President of Jeanologia, emphasised that the company’s mission is to provide manufacturers, brands, and retailers with cost-neutral technology solutions so they can take immediate action. Jeanologia is a leader in the creation of eco-efficient technologies.
“Working with Inditex has been wonderful and is something I’m proud of. This initiative is simply the first step in our mission to reduce the negative effects of microfiber shedding on textile production and the lifespan of products, according to Silla.
The difficulties facing our sector, such as microfiber shedding, must be addressed, stressed Javier Losada, General Director of Sustainability at Inditex. We can work with other industries to reduce our impact on resources like water right from the manufacturing stage by collaborating on projects like this one with Jeanologia.
INDITEX
With a presence in more than 200 nations, Inditex is a global fashion retail firm that consists of seven brands (Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, and Zara Home). Its business strategy is centred on meeting client demand sustainably. By 2040, Inditex intends to become carbon neutral.
Working for the world for more than 25 years: Jeanologia
Since 1994, their goal has been to establish an ethical, environmentally friendly, and economically viable sector, ushering in a new era through automation, digitization, and sustainability.
In order to completely eliminate the discharge produced during the manufacture and finishing of blue jeans, from the fabric to the finished article, its MissionZero programme modifies the way jeans are made.
With its disruptive technologies, including laser, G2 ozone, e-Flow, SmartBoxes, Colorbox, and H2 Zero, the company is driving the transformation of the market. These technologies are capable of boosting productivity, cutting costs, reducing water and energy use, eliminating harmful emissions and discharges, and guaranteeing zero pollution.
