Italian chemical and synthetic fibre producer RadiciGroup in a bid to tackle the level of energy and water wasted through traditional dyeing techniques in the industry has taken the initiative to promote the use of its lower impact yarn dyeing solutions.

In solution dyeing, colour is added 'upstream' in the extrusion phase, and is thus incorporated into the polymer matrix. Solution dyeing is typically utilised for dyeing large quantities of product in a standardised production process.

Having made sustainability a strategic asset of their business, RadiciGroup is ready and fully equipped to be an 'upstream' supplier of low environmental impact products, not only for the fashion sector, but also for the automotive, furnishings and outdoor industries.

Together with some of their customers in the polyester fibre area, they have projects in progress that reflect their determination to be an environmentally aware player in the production value chain: solution-dyed yarns manufactured from recycled polymer combining technical and environmental performance, said Oscar Novali, business area manager of RadiciGroup Comfort Fibres.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies conducted by Noyfil SA and Noyfil SpA, Group companies engaged in the production of polyester fibres, have shown that solution dyed yarns – both the versions obtained from virgin polymer and post-consumer recycled polymer – have a lower environmental impact than traditional yarn-dyed yarns.

The solution-dyeing technique is also applied in the production of nylon, specifically Radilon polyamide 6, 6.6 and 6.10 yarn, used in the garment and technical textile sectors, dorix polyamide 6 and 6.10 staple yarn, used for automotive and technical-industrial applications, and needle felt carpeting requiring high performance in resistance and colourfastness. Solution dyeing is also suitable for polyamide 6 and 6.6 BCF yarn, yet another RadiciGroup textile carpet yarn.

At their main production plants (Radici Yarn – polyamide yarn, RadiciFil – BCF yarn, and Noyfil – continuous polyester yarn), they have the right equipment and qualified staff for the preparation of tailored colour recipes, said Filippo Servalli, sustainability director of RadiciGroup.

With its vertically integrated polyamide production and extensive know-how of the chemistry upstream of all their production – is to supply reduced environmental impact products, which have an end-of-life reuse. They have the capability to satisfy the most diverse market demands, including the supply of small lots of product