Scientific Objectives
The objective of CottonBleach is to investigate and implement the use of ultrasound-enhanced enzymatic bleaching on an industrial scale of development. Although the technology proposed in this project has already been demonstrated at the laboratory scale, the cost of large-scale enzyme production made it prohibitively expensive for industrial applications. Currently, however, this drawback has been overcome and enzymes are available at more affordable rates, making the industrial scaling of this technology feasible.
The project will also contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field, as similar cost-effective technologies can be applied to other natural fibres, benefiting the entire textile industry. Furthermore, the technology has significant potential for the pulp and paper processing sector, which also relies on inefficient and environmentally costly bleaching methods.
