Water efficient and green too
The Australian textile, clothing, footwear and leather industry uses about 50 gigalitres of water each year.
It also uses significant amounts of chemicals, most of which are applied to the fabric using water. These chemicals include dyes and bleaches, detergents, acids, salts, softeners and fire retardants. Improving the effective use of chemicals and replacing toxic chemicals with less hazardous ones has shown to improve water efficiency and reduce the impact on the wastewater systems and the environment.
More ways to be water efficient
Simple solutions can provide significant water savings in the textiles industry. There are many ways to save water that do not cost much money. Simple solutions involve:
- identifying and fixing wastage and leaks
- investigating rates of flow and volumes of water used. Often too much water is applied, wasting both water and chemicals
- installing sensors and cut-off controls for pumps where possible
- installing counter-current rinse systems, which involves cleaning materials in a series of tanks with progressively cleaner water
- reusing water in cleaning or cooling operations such as in floor washing, container cleaning, and counter-current rinse systems
- using dry-cleanup methods where possible
- looking into the possibility of water treatment systems to recover lost raw materials and treat water for additional reuse
- educating staff around the site to use water more wisely.
The benefits of water efficiency:
- Reduced water bills by more efficient water use and wastewater disposal.
- Reduced chemical applications and recovering chemicals for reuse.
- Reduced pumping needs which reduce annual energy costs.
- Decreased infrastructure requirements such as maintenance and upgrades of equipment.
- Reduced environmental risks associated with wastewater, by making wastewater treatment more cost effective.
- Improved business brand and marketability of your product.
- Preparation of your company for future water restriction and increased water prices.
Case studies
Find out how Victoria Wool Processors are saving water.