Sustainable Textile Wet Processing: Applications of Enzymes

Abstract

Enzymes are a sustainable alternative to the harsh toxic chemicals in the textile industry. As enzymes operate in moderate conditions of temperature and pH, energy consumption is reduced, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Both water consumption and waste generation during textile manufacturing are also minimized by enzyme use. As the enzymes are very specific in their actions, minimum by-products are generated. The risks to humans, wildlife, and the environment are minimized. Enzymes can be utilized in several steps of textile processing namely desizing, scouring, bleaching, and biopolishing of cotton, degumming of silk, bleaching and shrinkproofing of wool, biostoning (of denim), and for treatment of textile effluents.