With FlexDyer, the goal is to drastically reduce resource consumption of water, energy and chemicals when dyeing textiles. Only a fraction of the current resources need to be used. With this dyeing technique, we also see the possibility of meeting the need for smaller batch sizes without causing great losses in machine capacity or overproduction of materials, in order to then simply scale up and produce exactly the series size that is required. With a controlled process, we also want to improve reproducibility, Right First Time and reduce the need for nuances compared to conventional technology.

FlexDyer is a verification project financed by CIK, Chalmers Innovation Office. The project has been implemented in two phases:

Phase 1

Initially, the potential for controlling the dye absorption was examined by applying the dye bath over the surface of the textile material with various techniques, especially with spray nozzles. Then it was examined how the intended fixing method should be performed and for what color classes and materials it can be applied.

Phase 2

Here, the focus is on finding stakeholders who can develop a pilot plant, calculate ROI and compare resource use with today's technology. This should lead to the process / machine soon becoming a commercial machine.

It looks promising and we expect that there is a pilot plant ready to test drive in June. Plant is located in Sjuhäradsbygden. We also have access to a small equipment at the University that we are now looking for research funds for - so that the process can be developed and implemented more easily by the industry and the textile industry. It is a project that can to a large extent be included in the research area Resource effective textile processes for coloration, functional and smart textiles.