Deakin University in Australia has established a pilot manufacturing facility in collaboration with Xefco to study the innovative plasma-based technique for coating and dyeing fabrics.
With funding from the Australian Government’s Trailblazer Universities Program and Deakin’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialization Hub (REACH), the pilot line will be used to investigate whether a waterless manufacturing process can replace the conventional water-intensive processes commonly used by the textile industry.
In comparison to traditional wet procedures, the “Ausora” technique is stated to consume 88% less water and 86% less energy. It does this by using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition.
It’s great to be on the commercialization path with Xefco, working with the startup to find what is possible and ideally lessen the global footprint of fashion, said Alessandra Sutti, an associate professor at Deakin.
If successful, Ausora technology, which colors materials without using a lot of water, will bring us one step closer to more effective and environmentally friendly garment production.
The new pilot plant for Xefco, located at Deakin University in Geelong, will test various materials, including specialized fabrics like waterproof things like outdoor jackets and denim clothing, according to firm CEO Tom Hussey.
The REACH project is focused on showing the commercial viability of the technology at a pilot scale and developing methods so that it may be scaled up for commercial production. “This is the first stage of Xefco’s vision for the technology,” he said. “Deakin and Xefco will work together to push the boundaries of innovation and discover what is possible.”
