At a time when 61% of consumers are worried about climate change1, a new solution from Novozymes makes it possible for the first time to extend the life of plant-based fabrics by 20%, making the garments look new, wash after wash. This Livelong® effect saves substantial water, chemicals and energy by reducing textile waste.
Novozymes’ introduces for the first time in Bangladesh, the Livelong® solution. A biological solution, where enzymes are used to extend the lifetime of fabrics. Until now, the enzyme technology process has only worked on cotton.
But now with the launch of a new biological solution, Livelong®, it is possible to extend the lifetime of additional fabrics including viscose/rayon, modal and lyocell/Tencell®.
“All textile manufacturing and brands – even with eco-friendly fibers — have a hefty environmental impact. Brands should seriously consider the opportunity of offering consumers the sustainable choice of longer lasting garments. Because buying clothes that last longeris one of the best and easiest things that consumers can do to make aneco-friendlychoice,” says Jens Kolind, vice president at Novozymes.
In addition, viscose, modal and lyocell are made from fibers widel yrecognized as more sustainable than conventional cotton, which requires high levels of water and pesticides to produce. The newer plant-based fibers are generally more sustainable, but they haven’t been particularly durable. Novozymes’ Livelong® solution can extend the lifetime of all plant-based fibers, that will provide brands and consumers with longer lasting clothes.
Environmental impactofthe textileindustry
Novozymes is launching theLivelong solution for the first time in Bangladesh, a market that is known for being one of the leadinggarments manufactures in the world. The textile industry is one of the most polluting in the world and is under pressure to address critical environmental issues. Novozymes’ newenzyme technologythat givesthe Livelongeffect are expected to help fill the gap and making the textile industry more sustainable.