Processing and Use

When it comes to turning fiber into garments then TACTEL® fiber comes into its own on the environmental front. The dyeing and finishing of fabrics and garments is one area which places major loads on our environment. But TACTEL® fiber scores well here in comparison with natural fibres: Scouring of fibre before processing is much easier with TACTEL® fiber. Because the fibre contains only a low level of oils, yarns can be scoured at a low temperature (typically 50ºC) and using mild, readily biodegradable detergent. In comparison cotton, for example, will often require bleaching and, as already pointed out, wool requires drastic high temperature, detergent intensive scouring to remove the grease from the fibre.

Dyeing
TACTEL® fiber is a very efficient operation, requiring shorter dyeing times than cotton and much smaller amounts of dyes and auxiliaries in order to make fast, level dyeings. The efficiency of TACTEL® fiber dyeing also means that much less dye remains at the end of the dyeing cycle to enter the effluent stream. These and other points mean that the dyeing and finishing of TACTEL® fiber require less water, energy, chemicals/dyes and the production of less effluent than many natural fibers.

Useful Life
Once transformed into garments and sold to the consumer then the fiber by no means ceases to have an environmental impact. Indeed this is the longest part of the fibre life cycle. Here too TACTEL® fiber compares favourably with natural fibres, the easier care, good dye fastness and quick and easy drying all contribute to TACTEL® fiber (and TACTEL® fiber blend) garments requiring less detergent, less water and less energy to keep them looking good.