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Dyeing/​Finishing/​Printing

Alchemie partners with Acatel

Collaboration advances jet precision dyeing for knitted cellulosic fabrics.

22nd January 2026

Knitting Industry
 |  Cambridge, United Kingdom

Knitted Outerwear

Alchemie Technology, a pioneer of jet precision dyeing solutions, has announced a partnership with Acatel, Portugal’s leader in sustainable textile manufacturing, to validate and optimise its jet precision dyeing technology for circular knitted cellulosic fabrics.

As part of the collaboration, the two companies will undertake a 12-month research and development programme aimed at preparing the technology for large-scale manufacturing. The programme will demonstrate how Alchemie’s fully electric, non-contact dyeing process can replace conventional dyeing and finishing routes, delivering significant reductions in water, energy and chemical use, while improving production efficiency and consistency.

The partnership is anchored within the Acatel Innovation Hub, which combines industrial expertise, manufacturing infrastructure and innovation to accelerate the adoption of next-generation textile technologies. Through this platform, Alchemie will advance the commercial readiness of its low-carbon digital dyeing system for knitted cellulosic fabrics including cotton, linen, man-made cellulosic fibres, hemp and wool blends.

Dr Alan Hudd, founder and CEO of Alchemie Technology, said transforming one of the world’s most resource-intensive industrial processes requires resilience, vision and innovation, adding that participation in the Acatel Innovation Hub represents the type of bold partnership needed to scale sustainable textile solutions globally.

Founded in 1985, Acatel has built a reputation for combining advanced technology with a strong environmental commitment. By leveraging Acatel’s innovation ecosystem, the partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of next-generation dyeing solutions and highlight the role of the Innovation Hub in bringing scalable, sustainable innovations to the textile dyeing and finishing industry.

Tércio Pinto, board member of Acatel, said the company’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship aligns closely with Alchemie’s mission, enabling textile prducers to redefine responsible manufacturing.

To mark the partnership, Alchemie and Acatel will exhibit side by side at Première Vision Paris from 3 to 5 February 2026. Visitors will be invited to experience fabric samples demonstrating the impact of Alchemie’s technology on the touch and feel of textiles, as well as its potential to deliver substantial sustainability and efficiency gains for knitted cellulosic fabric applications and beyond.

www.alchemietechnology.com

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