Textile Manufacturing

Discover how textile makers can become more energy-efficient and protect the environment with help from the Government of Canada.

Transcript

Narrator:

The fabric is flying at Doubletex, one of Canada's leading textile manufacturers. In a fiercely competitive industry, it dyes fabric used to make clothes and uniforms. To get the edge on the competition, Doubletex took a hard look at becoming more energy efficient.

Stuart Zukerman, President & CEO Doubletex:

"We've undertaken a very important study with the Government of Canada.The study showed about 14 projects worth savings to us roughly of half a million dollars a year."

Narrator:

Fabric has to be washed and dyed - using lots of hot water. The dye house burns natural gas to fire up its boilers-a key target for energy savings.

Heat exchangers have been installed to make washers and dying machines more efficient. Instead of dumping already heated waste water, it's run in pipes alongside fresh water, which takes up the heat.

Zafar Ali, Technical Director Doubletex:

"This will give us about 10% reduction in the carbon dioxide emissions."

Narrator:

Reducing CO₂ emissions is key in the campaign against climate change.

Older, inefficient dying machines and boilers were removed, following a Process Integration Study conducted by Natural Resources Canada to improve use of heat and water. It goes beyond standard energy audits by analyzing how the plant machines work best together.

By insulating pipes leading to the massive dryers and assembly machines, there's been less heat loss and less electricity burned. Exhaust heat from boilers is put back into the system as well.

Stuart Zukerman, President & CEO Doubletex:

"Well, it's certainly good for the environment. Everything that we can do to help the environment by reducing CO₂ emissions is important to us."

Narrator:

To learn more about energy conservation in industry, go to nrcan.gc.ca - slash - cleantech.

A message from the Government of Canada.