Role of Chemicals in Textile Processing and Its Alternatives

Chemical substances and additives have a crucial function in the manufacturing of textiles, starting from the elimination of impurities from fibers to providing the ultimate touch to the fabric. The textile industry predominantly utilizes chemicals throughout multiple stages of processing, including sizing, de-sizing, yarn processing, and fabric and garment production. Despite being a significant revenue generator, this industry poses grave environmental risks and is a major contributor to pollution worldwide. The gush in the use of synthetic chemicals and their associated vulnerabilities has led the textile sector to implement sustainable policies. The exigency of chemicals in the fashion industry is under immense force owing to a burgeoning population and swelling consumer demand for fashionable fabrics, leading to the production of more products than ever before. The present chapter provides an in-depth exploration of the various chemical substances utilized throughout various stages of textile processing. Moreover, this chapter sheds light on the detrimental effects of conventional chemicals employed in textile processing procedures, concurrently proposing environmentally friendly and sustainable substitutes.