New high-performance functionalised materials
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF NEW DYEING AND FINISHING SOLUTIONS TO REDUCE WATER FOOTPRINT AND MITIGATE WASTEWATER CONTAMINANTS
REHIDRAT
Motivation
Dyeing processes in the textile industry not only require large volumes of water but also generate wastewater containing compounds that are difficult to remove, such as electrolytes, microplastics, surfactants, and PFAs. These compounds negatively impact human health and ecosystems and can be released into the environment due to the low removal efficiency of conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Additionally, they can cause operational problems within the WWTPs themselves, as has been increasingly observed in recent years with surfactants and other contaminants affecting textile companies in the Valencian Community.
Objectives
Study and validate different solutions for dyeing and finishing processes that reduce the water footprint. These solutions include the use of micronebulization technology, adaptation of dyeing recipes using biobased and biodegradable products, and water reuse. The presence of emerging contaminants will be assessed, and discharge levels will be compared with regulatory standards to determine the effectiveness of these solutions in reducing pollution compared to conventional processes. These innovations will be implemented in three textile sectors—fashion textiles, home textiles, and children’s clothing—in collaboration with sector companies to evaluate applicability and scalability, adapting the technology to the specific needs of each subsector.
Expected results
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Water savings through micronebulization technology, optimizing product application with lower water consumption.
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Analysis of the textile process to identify critical stages in wastewater generation and prioritize improvements with the highest environmental impact.
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Reduction of emerging contaminants at the source by replacing harmful products with safer, more sustainable alternatives.
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Water reuse in dyeing processes through the use of rinse and treated water, promoting a circular model in the textile industry.
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Multi-sector technological adaptation to demonstrate scalability and flexibility of solutions across different textile subsectors (fashion, home, children’s).
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Collaboration with industry partners to ensure knowledge transfer and validate solutions in real production environments.
Grant number: IMDEEA/2025/102
Programme: Grants aimed at technological centers in the Comunitat Valenciana for R&D projects in cooperation with companies
Period of execution: March 2025 – June 2026
Status: In progress
More information: Import – 150.650,13 €
Entity: IVACE
This project has the support of the Conselleria of Innovación, Industria, Comercio y Turismo of the Generalitat Valenciana, through IVACE, and is co-financed by the FEDER (European Regional Development Fund) of the European Union, within the FEDER Operational Programme of the Comunidad Valenciana 2021-2027.
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R&D AREAS
New high-performance functionalised materials
Circular economy and sustainability
Advanced manufacturing, smart textiles and digitalisation
High value-added solutions for strategic markets
RELATED PROJECTS
NEWS
AITEX is present at the Babykid FIMI fair at Feria Valencia from January 26 to 28, presenting tests and certifications for children’s products.
AITEX has attended the Cosmetorium fair in Barcelona once again on October to present its new products for the cosmetic sector.
AITEX has hosted the LIFE POLITEX workshop entitled “Closing the textile polyester cycle: challenges and opportunities”, based on promoting sustainable solutions for the management and recycling of textile materials.