Industry Technologies
Europe's leading textile machinery manufacturer partnered with Sonovia to reduce the carbon footprint in clothing production. While Europe tightens its environmental policies about the polluting fashion industry, an important textile machinery firm in Germany is betting on technology from Israel to green its processes.
“That will bring transparency and revolutionize the textile industry,” said Axel Pieper, owner of Brückner Textile Technologies which supplies a quarter (5,000) of the world's fabric finishing machines.
Fabric finishing, the last stage in textile production, is where the fabric is dyed or coated with antibacterial substances, odor and water repellents, UV blockers, and more.
According to Pieper, this is the most polluting instance in textile production.
That's why the company he runs partnered with Israeli technology company Sonovia to develop a textile finishing machine that uses sound waves to infuse desired properties into fabrics without contaminating materials or adhesives.
This technology uses much less water and energy than traditional processes and reduces toxic emissions significantly.
Fabric treated with Sonovia is more sustainable as it holds up better to repeated washing, further reducing pollution caused by discarded textiles.
The first jointly developed SONOfix machine was recently installed at Delta Galil Industries in Galilee to produce underwear and sportswear for brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Adidas.
Additionally, Sonovia plans to deliver additional equipment to textile plants in Taiwan and Central America that make clothing for brands such as Nike, The North Face, Decathlon, and Lululemon.
In that sense, Pieper reported that he hopes that the upcoming regulation will convince many textile manufacturers to do the same.
On the other hand, revenue in the first phase is expected to reach tens of millions of dollars.
“I am convinced that Sonovia's technology is the best way to reduce the carbon and water footprint not only in the production of textiles but also in the use of textiles,” Pieper said.
From left to right, Igal Zeitun, CEO of Sonovia; Shuki Herschkovitz, owner of Sonovia; and Axel Pieper, owner of Brückner Textile Technologies. Photo courtesy of Sonovia
Earlier this year, Sonovia partnered with Italian denim manufacturer PureDenim to transform indigo dyeing by reducing water and energy-intensive use and improving dye durability.
“The textile industry is desperately looking for technological solutions that allow even a partial reduction in pollution while maintaining the same quality of the product. Our technology allows them to achieve the same quality and even better with a drastic reduction in pollution,” said Igal Zeitun, CEO of Sonovia.
About SonoviaSonovia is a textile-tech company developing the next generation of high-performing and sustainable ultrasonic textile dyeing and finishing. By providing an innovative and comprehensive solution, we, at Sonovia, aim to reshape the textile industry and set new standards for sustainable, high-performance, long-lasting, and cost-effective production.
About BrücknerBrückner is a worldwide acting and leading family-run machine engineering company with a lot of experience and a long tradition. Since the foundation of the company in 1949 we have developed, built, sold, and installed machines and complete lines for the finishing of textiles, technical textiles, nonwovens, and floor coverings. All our machines are reliable and efficient high-quality products made in Germany.
