Cleaner Technology Transfer to the Polish Textile ... - Miljøstyrelsen
Cleaner Technology Transfer to the Polish Textile ... - Miljøstyrelsen
Cleaner Technology Transfer to the Polish Textile ... - Miljøstyrelsen
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Topic 20.<br />
Optical whiteners<br />
Case illustration:<br />
Stilbene – an optical<br />
brightener<br />
Concept In many cases, fabrics of cot<strong>to</strong>n or mixtures with cot<strong>to</strong>n are treated with optical<br />
whiteners, ei<strong>the</strong>r for full bleaching purposes or for pre-treatment purposes<br />
before printing. Optical whiteners can be characterized as colourless dyes,<br />
which often contain environmentally hazardous chemical compounds such as<br />
e.g. stilbene derivatives. The reason for use of optical whiteners is often based<br />
on a cus<strong>to</strong>mers demand for a very shining whiteness. Thus, it seems difficult<br />
<strong>to</strong> omit <strong>the</strong> use of optical whiteners, but still this serious <strong>to</strong>pic should raise a<br />
relevant discussion. Alternatively, substitution of <strong>the</strong> more environmental hazardous<br />
chemicals <strong>to</strong> more environmental friendly ones should be considered.<br />
Improvement potentials Reduction of environmental impacts.<br />
Relevance Many companies.<br />
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