HOW CAN WATER CONSUMPTION IN TEXTILE PRODUCTION BE REDUCED?

The deep processing of raw cotton and the production of finished fabrics are of significant economic importance to Uzbekistan. However, dyeing, bleaching and finishing processes can consume large amounts of water and chemicals.

An article by Barno Erkinovich Barnoyev, a researcher at the Presidential School in Bukhara, examines international technologies that can help reduce water consumption in cotton fabric production.

How much water is used to dye fabric?

Conventional dyeing technologies can consume up to 200 litres of water per kilogram of fabric. Repeated washing increases water and energy consumption and generates wastewater containing dyes and chemicals.

Four Water-Saving Technologies

1. Fibre Pre-modification

Cotton fibres undergo special treatment before dyeing. This can improve dye absorption and reduce the need for repeated washing. Some technologies have been reported to reduce water consumption by up to 90%.

2. Foam Dyeing

Instead of a liquid dye bath, specially formulated foam is applied to the fabric. This method can reduce water consumption by approximately 50–55%.

3. Ozone Bleaching

The use of ozone can reduce the need for certain chemicals used in conventional bleaching. The results depend on the type of fabric and the production conditions.

4. Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Dyeing

For dyeing certain synthetic fabrics, carbon dioxide under special conditions can be used instead of water. Water consumption can be reduced by up to 95–100%, but the technology requires expensive equipment and is not directly applicable to cotton fabrics.

Which Solutions Are Important for Uzbekistan?

When selecting technologies for local textile enterprises, it is important to consider the level of water savings, equipment costs and compatibility with existing production systems. Testing methods such as fibre pre-modification and foam dyeing under local conditions represents a promising area for development.

Before implementation, these technologies should undergo laboratory and industrial trials to assess their suitability for Uzbekistan’s cotton fibres, the dyes used and the quality requirements for finished products.

Conclusion

Reducing water consumption in Uzbekistan’s textile industry depends not only on cotton cultivation but also on fabric dyeing, bleaching and finishing processes. Adapting international technologies to local conditions can help reduce water and energy consumption and decrease wastewater volumes.

Source: Barnoyev, B. E. “Adapting Low-Water and Waterless Dyeing Technologies to Cotton Fabrics in Uzbekistan: Scientific and Technological Foundations and Practical Prospects.” Marketing: Scientific, Practical and Popular Journal, 2026, special issue, pp. 214–225.