Brittany Dying & Printing Energy and Water Use Reduction

With assistance from a $425,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s NICE3 program, Brittany Dyeing and Printing Corporation implemented a new technology for finishing fabric that is more efficient, cost effective, and generates less waste than traditional methods. The project was completed in December 1998, and is expected to provide the following benefits: reduce energy consumption by over 60% per unit weight of fabric; reduce air emissions by over 60%; increase production capability by over 100% through higher production speeds; reduce wastewater discharge almost 80%; and cut water use by over 65%. The company estimates that the new process will reduce annual operating costs (primarily energy, water and wastewater costs) by approximately $150,000, a 36% savings.