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Fiber-Reactive Dyes
Fiber-reactive dyes are a good example of how superior quality materials are often more ecological. These dyes are both the best quality and most environmentally-sound man-made dyes available. Their colors are brighter and richer, and they provide excellent colorfast properties. These characteristics are due to their fiber-reactivity, a process in which the dye molecules bond directly with the fiber molecules (see adjoining diagram). Because the bonding of the dye and the fiber is so strong and complete, very little residual dye comes out into the wastewater when they are dyed or later into the wash water when they are used by the customer. The Swiss laboratories of Bezema developed these dyes, always keeping high environmental standards in mind. They contain no heavy metals or other known toxic substances, and they meet all European Union criteria for being an eco-friendly pigment. Four years ago ECOLUTION® was able to start using these dyes full-scale after working for several years to develop an effective system for dyeing with fiber-reactives. It is significantly more difficult and expensive to dye with reactives than with conventional direct dyes, but the benefits both in terms of quality and ecology make it well worthwhile. |
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