9 - Water requirement and sustainability of textile processing industries

Abstract

In textile wet processing, water is used mainly for three purposes, namely, as a solvent for dyes and chemicals, as a medium for transferring dyes and chemicals to fabric, and as a washing and rinsing medium. Apart from the above processes, ion exchange, boiler, cooling water, steam drying, and the cleaning part of the process also consume a considerable amount of water. The amount of water used varies widely depending upon the type of textile fiber processed, the type of product (woven, knit, etc.), and the specific processes and equipment. Significant reductions in water use can be achieved by preventing unnecessary water consumption in textile processing mills. Implementation of in-plant control techniques should be employed for achieving significant reductions in water use, raw material and energy consumption, wastewater production and, in some cases, even wastewater load. There are several new developments aimed at conserving water in the textile processing industries. The present review outlines the water requirement of Indian textile industries, the water utilization pattern, water utilization in relation to equipment, the different processes adopted for sustainability of water, and water conservation techniques.