AirDye

AirDye technology manages the application of color to textiles without the use of water. It was developed and patented by Colorep, a California-based sustainable technology company. The process of making textiles can require several dozen gallons of water for each pound of clothing. The AirDye process employs air instead of water to help the dyes penetrate fibers, a process that uses no water and requires less energy than traditional methods of dyeing, The technology works only on synthetic materials and is currently available only in the United States. Colorep says it plans to extend its use to Europe by the end of summer, and to Central America by late this year.
Applications
AirDye technology works only on synthetic materials.
Characteristics
Environment
The process of making textiles can require several dozen gallons of water for each pound of clothing, especially during the dyeing process. AirDye technology eliminates hazardous wastewater as a byproduct of dyeing fabric.
Depending on the fabric, and type of dyeing, AirDye uses up to 95% less water, and up to 86% less energy, contributing 84% less to global warming, according to an independent assessment.
Economics
Colorep claims that its AirDye Process is priced competitively compared to traditional technology. Additionally, Colorep claims that companies using the technology find the AirDye process reduces waste as 10% of traditional, vat-dyed fabric is damaged during the process, whereas with AirDye, only 1% is damaged. Colorep also says that AirDye enables companies to wait longer to decide what color or print to put onto their fabric, which would reduce the need for apparel makers to guess what colors consumers will want to wear months ahead.
Design
Fabrics dyed with AirDye technology supposedly feel no different from conventionally dyed textiles. They can be dyed all one color, a different color on each side, a pattern on one side and a solid color on the other, or a pattern on both sides. Current and future Hunter Douglas Hospitality products featuring AirDye technology include:
Custom-printed window coverings, including roller shades, roman shades, Vignette modern roman shades, and Silhouette window shadings. The AirDye process can apply designs to the shade fabric without interfering with its shading performance or other characteristics.
Textile designs that can feature a look on the front surface of the fabric that differs from what is applied to the back. Fabrics can be printed with a different solid color on each side of the fabric, two different patterns on each side, or combinations of solid colors and patterns.
Apparel
Costello Tagliapietra
Costello Tagliapietra is a New York-based fashion house that launched their Spring 2010 collection using AirDye technology at their fashion show on September 11, 2009.
As winners of the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award, they have an eye on creating clothing that can help enhance the global environment. Using AirDye's water saving technology, enables them to pursue that goal, while designing fashionable clothes.
Patagonia
Patagonia is an outdoor clothing company and is a major contributor to several environmental groups and movements. One of the sewing factories in the United States that does contract work for Patagonia is currently installing AirDye.
Miss Peaches
Miss Peaches is an eco-friendly swimwear company that has implemented an “Eco-Friendly Initiative” where the designers are constantly searching for and applying the most cutting edge developments in printing processes and other innovations that help preserve the environment. Miss Peaches uses the AirDye process to print all of their swimwear and cover-ups.
JulieApple
JulieApple is a handbag company that uses AirDye technology for its prints. The Company states that AirDye technology allows it to print to order, eliminating production excess and waste.<ref name="julieapplestore.com"/>

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