Proklean technologies, a company located in India has created a technology platform based on probiotic microorganisms.

Probiotic live bacteria and yeast cultures can be used to create a selection of safer chemicals. Made from natural resources, these chemicals are biodegradable and non-toxic, and offer environmental relief in textile and leather manufacturing.

Proklean Technologies make a range of products, customized by industry (leather vs. textile processing) and the type of textile substrate, (synthetic vs. natural).

This is my 3rd post that showcases technologies that I believe have the potential to reduce pollution in the textile industry, whilst maintaining product quality. I have previously written about dyes from synthetic biology and rayon fiber from biomass.

How does it work?

Raw materials and catalysts are blended with a consortium of probiotics and then fermented under controlled conditions. The result is a family of surfactants that can be used in textiles, leather, and paper and pulp processing.

What are surfactants?

Surfactants are compounds that make cleaners work more effectively by lowering the surface tension of water, which makes the molecules slippery.

Slippery chemicals are less likely to stick to themselves and more likely to interact with oil and grease, which facilitates the removal of dirt from the textile substrate.

By changing the catalysts and process conditions, Proklean has created a variety of applications for their chemical formulations across both the textile and leather industries.

Where in textile processing are probiotic surfactants used?

Surfactants are used throughout the textile manufacturing supply chain, from yarn preparation to the final step of fabric or garment finishing. A biodegradable probiotic equivalent can be used in the following processing steps.

Pretreatment. Preparing a yarn or fabric to “pick up dye” requires high temperatures, water and scouring agents, detergents, bleaching agents and wetting agents to thoroughly clean and wet the substrate prior to dyeing.

Dyeing. The surfactants improve the quality of the dyeing by creating a more level application. There is a reduction in colour blotchiness and uneven dye application.

Soaping. This step helps eliminate any excess dye from the fabric so that the resulting textile has good wash fastness properties.

How are these chemicals more sustainable?

There are many benefits to using surfactants from probiotics when compared to synthetic surfactants from the petrochemical industry. These include

• Reduction in chemical use during textile processing
• Less effluent created during textile processing
• Water and energy savings during textile processing
• They are completely biodegradable

These biodegradable surfactants are compliant with many chemical standards and regulations, including REACH, Oeko-Tex Passport, the Global Organic Textile Standard and they are registered on the ZDHC Gateway.

Impacts to your business?

Questions to consider:

• Is your company seeking safer alternatives to chemicals of concern?
• Do you have visibility into your sourcing supply chain?

For help with any issue associated with sustainability and chemicals, contact Amanda Cattermole at (415) 412 8406 or Amanda@cattermoleconsulting.com. We can help you develop powerful solutions to protect your company and brand reputation, which will result in safer products manufactured in cleaner supply chains.

Tips and Insights contains information to help you make informed chemical management decisions. Each post highlights a particular topic and includes questions you may want to consider for your business.