Textile Industry Introduces Biotechnology

December 2, 2013, Beijing, China – China Knitting Industry Association and Danish biotechnology company Novozymes formally signed a strategic partnership agreement in Beijing. Both parties will commit themselves to contribute to each other’s technical strength and industry appeal, applying biological solutions, From both ends of fabric production and sewage treatment, optimize the production efficiency of knitting enterprises, relieve the pressure of pollution, and jointly promote the sustainable development of China's textile industry.

The two parties will carry out a series of cooperation, specific issues involving sewage treatment, energy saving and emission reduction in the knitting industry, and Novozymes will support the low-carbon, energy-saving and environmental protection goals of Chinese knitting companies and provide the necessary basic tests. Research and development and technical guidance.

Cleaner production and less sewage Currently, the textile industry is facing rising cost pressures and increasingly severe environmental problems. The China Knitting Industry Association analyzed the increasingly stringent environmental protection monitoring system and pollution prevention indicators in the country and pointed out that for a long time to come, environmental pressure will become a major issue for Chinese knitting companies. Therefore, actively seeking sustainable, environmentally friendly new technologies to replace the current high pollution, high energy consumption and backward technologies is crucial for the sustained and healthy development of the Chinese knitting industry.

The application of bio-enzymatic technology in textile processes can simplify the process, save costs, improve quality, and improve economic and environmental benefits. Enzymes are naturally derived biocatalysts and use Novozymes, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 1100 kg per ton of fabric produced. Novozymes will provide natural and high-efficiency “bio-improvement technologies” for microbial treatment based on microbiological preparations to treat sewage in knitting companies and textile clusters. It will increase the efficiency of wastewater treatment facilities, reduce the company's disposal costs, and simplify operations.

Zhang Yanxi, vice president of China National Textile and Apparel Council, emphasized in his speech that the governance of environment and pollutants in the printing and dyeing industry is of importance to the sustainable development of the textile industry. At the same time he hopes: “The Knitting Association and Novozymes will jointly promote the Chinese textile industry. We are advancing towards the direction of environmental protection and green ecology, raising the level of pollution control and clean production throughout the industry, and contributing to the textile industry by building a resource-saving, environment-friendly society and developing a green recycling economy."

Yang Shibin, President of China Knitting Industry Association, stated: “We hope to respond to the current environmental challenges faced by the knitting industry through advanced high-tech cooperation with Europe and the United States. The risk of using biological methods to deal with environmental issues is smaller, and costs can be controlled within an acceptable range. The treatment effect is good. The cost problem needs to be solved by optimizing the production management. After the improvement management, the employing personnel can reduce some, and the efficiency will be higher."

In his speech, Susanne Nors, Commercial Counsellor of the Danish Embassy in China, stressed the importance of cooperation between China and Denmark in the knitting industry: “Danish companies represented by Novozymes and others have advanced biotechnology in the textile, water treatment and other environmental fields. We hope that Danish biological solutions will provide opportunities and fulcrums for the Chinese knitting industry to continue to advance under the new situation."

Michael Christiansen, president of Novozymes Asia Pacific, stated: “Novozymes has accumulated 60 years of experience in the textile printing and dyeing industry. Under the new situation, we will further develop innovative enzymes and microorganisms based on the needs of our customers. The solution is to deepen cooperation with local Chinese partners to promote technological innovation in China's knitting industry and help the industrial upgrading of the knitting industry."