Thai Bleaching and Dyeing Industry Goes GreenBANGKOK, Aug 5, 2009 / FW/ — While the cutting-edge technologies of Thailand’s textile industry in bleaching, dyeing, printing, and finishing have made it the leading position, its current focus on eco-friendly technologies has strengthened its standing in the region and increased it competitiveness in the international market.

Following global environmental concerns, the Thai textile industry has made systematic efforts to shift to clean technologies which have reduced the use chemicals and water.

The use of clean technologies and new textile products are among what will be on show at the upcoming Bangkok International Fashion Fair & Bangkok International Leather Fair (BIFF & BIL 2009) during August 13-16, in Thailand.

While the cutting-edge technologies of Thailand’s textile industry in bleaching, dyeing, printing, and finishing have made it the leading position, its current focus on eco-friendly technologies has strengthened its standing in the region and increased it competitiveness in the international market.

Following global environmental concerns, the Thai textile industry has made systematic efforts to shift to clean technologies which have reduced the use chemicals and water.

The use of clean technologies and new textile products are among what will be on show at the upcoming Bangkok International Fashion Fair & Bangkok International Leather Fair (BIFF & BIL 2009) during August 13-16, in Thailand.

“There are about 420 – 450 bleaching and dyeing factories in Thailand. 134 of them are our members, which are primarily medium and large factories.” said Mr.Nopadol Piamkulawanich, President of the Association of Thai Bleaching Dyeing Printing and Finishing Industries (ATDP).

“We are now approaching small-scale factories to give them training in management as well as in technical and marketing skills. Since our policy is for clean technologies, we offer small-scale operators information and training in eco-friendly bleaching and dyeing.”

The textile industry is also using clean technologies to produce many types of technologically innovative fibers to create new markets, he added.

“While we have to keep our existing markets in the US and Europe, we also have to create new markets. We then need new products to attract new buyers.”

Thailand’s potential new markets are in the Middle East and Africa, he said. ”We used to have some trade with them before, but we now have to concentrate on these markets more.”

Despite stricter trade rules from the US and European countries, Mr.Nopadol said he is confident that the Thai textile industry is well-equipped to meet new challenges.

“We have no problems in meeting market demands. Apart from the know-how in bleaching and dyeing, we are also strong in other areas. And we have new innovative products to meet those new needs, of which to be mentioned is the highly popular new polyester fiber for sportswear, which is comfortable and easy to take care of.”