Novozymes and China Knitting Industry Association (CKIA) have signed a strategic partnership agreement in Beijing to jointly promote the sustainable development of biological solutions in the Chinese knitting industry.

Low carbon emissions, energy savings and environmental protection are among the goals of the agreement. It addresses bio-innovative application and research in the knitting sector.

The two sides will cooperate in areas including sewage treatment at knitting enterprises and energy conservation. Novozymes will provide basic tests, research and technical guidance.

Pollution and energy waste

Today the knitting industry is confronted with increasing costs and serious environmental problems, the bodies report. By analysing the environmental monitoring system with higher standards and pollution prevention index, CKIA anticipates that environmental pressures will become a major problem for Chinese knitting enterprises in future.

Therefore, seeking sustainable, environmental-friendly technology to replace out-of-date technology that has caused severe pollution and energy waste is vital to the sustainable and scientific development of the Chinese knitting industry.

The application of biological enzyme technology in textile processing may simplify the process, save costs, improve quality and make economic and environmental benefits. Enzymes are biological catalysts that are derived from nature.

Ecological solution

Novozymes will provide ‘microbial and biologically-efficient’ technology for knitting enterprises to improve the efficiency of wastewater solution facilities by lowering the costs and simplifying the operational process.

“The cooperation between China Knitting Industry Association and Novozymes will make the China textile industry more ecological by making progress in pollution control and cleaner production,” said Zhang Yankai, vice-chairman of China National Textile and Apparel Council. “Also, it would contribute to building a resource-saving and environment-friendly society.”

Lower risks

“We want to tackle the challenges through the cooperation with high-tech enterprises from Europe and America. Using biological technology to deal with environmental problems would bring lower risks, reasonable costs and fewer side effects,” said Yang Shibin, chairman of China Knitting Industry Association. “Costs should be reduced by optimising production management. Improved management will save manpower and increase efficiency.”

“Novozymes as a leading Danish enterprise in China has achieved good practice by their advanced biotechnology in the textile industry and wastewater solutions,” commented Susanne Nors, Danish Commercial Counselor to China. “We hope that the Danish biological solution can provide opportunities for the Chinese knitting industry.”

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