Lenzing Group, Exponent Envirotech introduce eco-friendly dyeing technology

Lenzing Group, a global producer of wood-based specialty fibers, has teamed up with technology start-up Exponent Envirotech to launch ECOHUES, a waterless dyeing technology. This innovation is applicable to cotton and linen yarns and, for the first time, will be applied to Lenzing’s TENCEL lyocell, modal fibers, and LENZING viscose fibers, which hold the EU Ecolabel for environmental excellence. Partnering with Hong Kong-based knitwear manufacturer Cobalt Fashion, this trio aims to bring this groundbreaking technology to the mainstream textile market.

“At Lenzing, we are always seeking partnerships to find new solutions that ensure product quality while reducing our resource use. Working with Exponent Envirotech and Cobalt Fashion demonstrates our commitment to this goal, as we introduce scalable innovations to the textile industry,” said Rex Mok, Director of Technical Marketing and Development at Lenzing. “We are thrilled to use ECOHUES™, a revolutionary dyeing technique, on lyocell, modal, and viscose fibers. This technology marks an important step toward changing traditional practices in the textile industry.”

ECOHUES technology replaces water in the dyeing process with a non-aqueous solvent that is 99.8% reusable. This method reduces the need for soap washing after dyeing, cutting overall water use by 95% compared to conventional methods. The streamlined process also reduces water and energy consumption, improves cost efficiency, and cuts the dyeing time from 12 hours to 6-8 hours.

ECOHUES also eliminates the use of salt as a dyeing assistant, addressing the issue of high salinity in textile wastewater. The technology saves 40% of the dye used and achieves a color fixation rate of over 97%, which is more than 30% higher than traditional methods. Combined with the use of TENCEL and LENZING ECOVERO fibers, which are produced with at least 50% less carbon emissions and water use, this technology offers a more sustainable choice for customers and brands.

“As a company committed to sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for the industry, Exponent Envirotech has always championed environmentally friendly innovations,” said Wesley Choi, Chairman of Exponent Envirotech.