The SDC EC recently organised its 9th ‘Day of Colour’ specially for Medallists, Charted Colourists, ASDCs, FSDCs and Voting members. The event theme this year was ‘Sustainability driven Innovations’. It was organised on Friday 20th April 2018 at Board room, Textile committee, Prabhadevi, Mumbai at 4.00pm to 6.00pm.
This event was attended by 30 qualification holders, medallists, Trustees and voting members of SDC and reported by Report by Dr. K. S. Murthy, Silver Medallist, SDC.
Mr. Padmadas Nair who spoke on “Sustainable Innovations” is R&D/TS&D Leader India region of Dow Chemical International Private Ltd with 15 years’ experience and 3 patents. Dow spends 2.5 per cent of income on R&D per year and earns 35 per cent profit from innovation sales and product life cycle shortened to 3-5 years. Criterion for sustainability of material is 3-4 times carbon footprint.
R&D collaboration and leveraged capabilities; Combinatorial chemistry and artificial intelligence.
High throughput research: Develop new materials and formulations using science and technology, surfactant materials and rheology modifiers. Data collection, analysis and modelling are keys to using technology. This capability helps experiments in a scale of 5 ml to 50 ml using robotic equipment which allow dispensing of pigments to high viscosity materials. It also helps to analyse the data e.g. compatibility of different ingredients in home and personal care formulations especially stability and for meeting customer needs.
Technology was developed using antifoam added to laundry powder which eliminates foam in rinsing process. This antifoam has been designed in a way that it doesn’t remove foam in main wash but in rinse wash thereby saving water. At present this technology dispenses with 25 per cent of water up to 50 per cent with suitable materials. First rinse eliminates 80 per cent detergent and 98 per cent in second rinse and fabric is free from alkalinity besides consumer validation of impact.
Introduced Cold Roof Coating materials in the food processing industry to conserve temperatures by 6-8oC.
Formaldehyde abatement technology converts formaldehyde in the air to moisture making the interiors comfortable. Asian Paints have introduced a paint based on this technology. Silicone based paints for buildings for aesthetic value and once it is painted, one cannot change the colour, which is a limitation. Yet, it is used for water proofing and specific walls as per architect planning.
Mapping and formulating complex behaviour of formulated system: Mono material laminate technology – Packaging materials multilayer laminates (5-8 layers) based on PEs, PA, PE, PP with different barrier properties unlike polyolefines which are difficult to recycle while PE laminates are recycled and sustainable following the principle, reduce – recycle – reuse.
In textile, PVC free silicone-based inks are used for screen printing with stretch which effect soft feel for synthetics and cotton.
RO membrane is used for ZLD application due to regulations. Water can be recycled, and sludge disposal is necessary. Enzyme is used for plastic recycling in effluent treatment.
Mr. Nair concluded that sustainability is not a buzz word but has become important in their R&D centre in terms of energy efficiency from conceptualisation to building materials. Companies adopt this as core of their corporate strategy for success in long term.
objective leading to sustainable solutions. Clariant aims to create value for customers, employees, stake holders and environment.
Challenges faced by colorant industries: Social, economic, ecological and sustainability. Focus on innovation adds value to sustainability and raise the company besides technology solutions. Pigments and dyes applicable to different fields e.g. coatings, plastics, cosmetics, foods and special applications. Challenges addressed are environmental and regulations, what product is innovative which differentiates? Spurt in the raw material prices, changing consumer trends, high demand warrants sustainable solutions.
Focus on innovation through R&D: 2.5 per cent growth, value contribution, intensified growth and increased profitability. Dyes and pigments with additional benefits and not colour alone but paints or formulations. What is the differentiator?
Sustainable paints: Paints that are lead or chromium free and replace metallic pigments; Bio-pigments – raw materials used and are they eco-friendly? Develop from biodegradable sources.
Portfolio screening program: Stringent screening criteria like certain tests and products certified sustainable are introduced. It is based on brand value viz. people (safety, health, life cycle); planet (raw materials and sustainable solution) and performance (over a period; meeting the need).
Centre Sustainable Consumption and Production: The above criteria are established by CSCP to screen the products and introduce in the market on attaining EcoTain label, Flagship mark of sustainability and product becomes differentiator with a premium value.
Corporate colours – Easy Dispersion Pigments (EDP): Pigments are used in paint formulation either in powder form or preparation. Portfolios for water-based and solvent-based system using additives. When pigments are used there is agglomeration problem that needs energy to break agglomerates, man power and bead milling to the particle size required for paint and hence EDP choice without grinding or milling to merely add-in. These are used in different sectors of coating like industrial coatings and decorative paints.
Video film on innovation spotlight: Key ingredients used in different sectors like industrial coatings, decorative paints and marine coatings.
ED pigments: Reduce production time (85 per cent); low energy consumption (90 per cent electricity); cost saving potential (30 per cent). This is an example offering customer sustainable solution in terms of cost, energy and low VOC content.
Quinacridone pigments: Application, HP pigments, coatings and plastics. They involve a lot of energy besides raw materials derived from bio-renewable viz. Bio-succinic acid avoiding chemicals from petro-industry viz. fossil succinic acid without compromising on characteristics and colouristic values with less pollution and biodegradable.
Sustainability drive: DNA of the company and sustainability initiatives and creation add value. Product portfolio consists of 80 per cent in 36 criteria. They are also committed to UN Global Compact and listed in 2017 Dow Jones Sustainability Index.
Dr. Yadav concluded that sustainability is not only in R&D but also imbibed into the people – employees, vendors, customers and stakeholders how to use energy efficiently and save Mother Planet. The initiatives are Responsible Care and Ten Foundations to provide innovation with sustainability.
– Apparel and Textile News, Apparel Talk, Indian Apparel
