Chapter 25 - Green chemistry in textile processes

Abstract

The necessity to meet the growing demand of consumers led to the revolution in textile dyeing and functional finishes worldwide. In the present era, the main focus is given to develop eco-friendly technologies as a suitable alternative to some of the synthetic dyes owing to the growing awareness in green chemistry to solve few of the environmental problems coupled with the toxicity associated with synthetic dyes. Apart from this, health and hygiene are the primary requirements of human being to live comfortably. The modern consumers expect more natural products and materials with fewer synthetic additives in such products for increased safety. Traditional chemical processing methods depending on fossil fuels are not sustainable. Green reactions are sustainable, eco-friendly (nonhazardous waste and solvents), easier to use, highly stable, and more efficient (fewer steps and resources; so lesser waste generation). There are 12 principles to assess, out of which the most vital is the amount of waste generated. Recent research works majorly concern in making textile processing more greener. It includes the concept of greener fibers, greener dyes and auxiliaries, greener solvents, eco-friendly processing, bio-resources, reduce–reuse–recycle technology of water and chemicals as well as effluent treatment. In this chapter, the concept of green chemistry involved for sustainable development in textile processing is explained at the outset.