How Riopele is reducing the environmental footprint of textile dyeing

Across the world, the textile industry remains one of the largest consumers of water and a major contributor to water contamination. Among the most demanding stages of the production process is dyeing, which requires large quantities of water and chemicals, placing additional pressure on the environment. Reducing this impact is now one of the sector’s biggest imperatives.

At Riopele, one of Portugal’s oldest and most innovative textile companies, this challenge is being met with a strategy focused on reducing water, energy and chemical consumption without compromising fabric quality. Leading the Finishing Department, Ana Elisabete Gomes explains how the company has been transforming one of the industry’s most demanding processes.

What is Riopele doing to make the dyeing process more sustainable?
Industrial-scale fabric dyeing involves several chemical processes to apply dyes, consuming large amounts of water, energy and chemicals, which contribute to water and air pollution. At Riopele, we have been developing solutions that minimise the environmental impact of this process, acting on several fronts.

Firstly, we use dyes that allow for reduced water consumption, and we have conducted studies that help us select chemical products compatible with the reuse of process water.
We have adopted continuous dyeing processes for cellulosic fibres — such as cotton, viscose, Tencel and linen — in which water consumption represents only about 30% of what is required by traditional exhaust dyeing methods.

In addition, we are testing new, more sustainable dyes in partnership with companies specialising in textile technology. It is also important to highlight recent investments in equipment that significantly reduce water consumption — and consequently the need for steam — since the volume to be heated is smaller.

These initiatives allow us to reduce environmental impact without compromising the quality, durability and performance of the fabrics, reinforcing our commitment to more responsible, efficient and innovative production.

What measures have been implemented to reduce water and energy consumption compared to traditional methods?
We have implemented three key measures to make the dyeing process more efficient and sustainable.

Firstly, we have invested in state-of-the-art machines that significantly reduce water and energy consumption. In recent years, Riopele has strengthened this commitment through the continuous renewal of equipment, not only in the finishing department but across all production units, making the entire process more environmentally efficient.

Secondly, we have adjusted the soaping process — the washing stage that removes excess unfixed dye and other impurities after dyeing. By lowering the temperature of this operation, we are able to reduce resource consumption without compromising colour fastness and durability.

Finally, we have adopted cold-dyeing processes, whose main advantage is using less energy than traditional methods, contributing to more responsible and environmentally efficient production.

What kinds of innovations are being developed in dyes and chemical products?
Innovation is one of our priorities. We work in partnership with companies specialising in dyes and textile technologies, continuously testing new products and processes. We are currently involved in two projects exploring more sustainable dyes and chemical solutions to reduce the environmental impact of dyeing. These initiatives allow us to move towards more efficient, safer processes aligned with sustainability requirements.

What are the main advantages of Riopele’s dyeing process — both environmentally and in terms of fabric performance?
Riopele’s dyeing process integrates several solutions that simultaneously improve fabric performance and reduce environmental impact. The adoption of continuous dyeing processes, including cold techniques, significantly reduces water and energy consumption while ensuring greater colour uniformity and stability.

At the same time, post-dyeing washes are carried out at low temperatures and with reduced chemical use, preserving colour fastness and durability without compromising fabric quality. In addition, Riopele already reuses 54% of the water consumed in the process — more than half — contributing to a substantial reduction in water use and to a more efficient and sustainable overall production.

It is also worth noting that in polyester fibre exhaust dyeing, we have reduced bath consumption by one-third, since we carry out two stages — dyeing and subsequent washing — in a single bath.