Enhancing Sustainability, member companies of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) are making a significant yet often overlooked contribution—prolonging the life of existing textile machines. This initiative not only supports sustainability but also aligns with financial constraints that many textile companies face, allowing them to avoid heavy capital investments in new machinery.
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Extending Lifespan: A Sustainable Approach
Jason Kent, CEO of BTMA, shed light on this sustainable approach during ITMA 2023. While advancements in technology promise resource efficiency, the reality is that tight profit margins restrict the ability of many textile companies to embark on capital-intensive projects. As a result, outdated yet mechanically sound machines that were once destined for the scrapyard are now being considered for an extended lifespan.
Revolutionizing Dyeing Machines: A Focus on Jet Dyeing
Adaptive Control Solutions is leading the charge in transforming the fate of an estimated 90,000 outdated jet dyeing machines worldwide. These machines, constituting 60-70% of the total, are a prime target for upgrade. Adaptive’s Plant Explorer central control system, recognized globally for its automation capabilities, is setting new industry standards. Richard Armitage, Managing Director of Adaptive, emphasized the system’s flexibility, enabling seamless integration and automation, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency.
Embracing Automation: Upgrading, Innovating and enhancing sustainability
Collaborating with fellow BTMA member Roaches International, Adaptive not only upgrades dyeing machines but also provides automation solutions for autoclaves and curing ovens used in advanced composite manufacturing. These upgrades have benefited various industries, including Formula 1, marine, and aerospace, showcasing the versatile applications of textile machinery upgrades.
Pioneer in Retrofitting: Garnett Controls
Garnett Controls, a pioneer in the retrofit market since 1990, has significantly impacted blending, carding, nonwovens, and spinning sectors. Their retrofit drive systems, designed to replace conventional drives on textile and nonwoven machines, prioritize precise synchronization and optimum energy efficiency. The advanced retrofit drive systems also offer sophisticated data collection capabilities, empowering manufacturers to monitor and analyze performance, resulting in notable energy savings of up to 40% depending on the machine type.
Optimum Performance: Tatham’s TS Drive System
Tatham, another BTMA member, offers retrofit services for a range of OEM machines. Their TS Drive System, designed to run motors at their optimum performance levels, enables considerable energy savings of around 30%. The system ensures accurate speed regulation, even at low speeds, illustrating a notable step forward in sustainable and energy-efficient textile machinery.
Precision in Moisture Control: Streat Drycom’s Expertise
Moisture measurement and control systems are paramount in achieving quality and efficiency in textile production. Streat Drycom specializes in retrofitting these systems onto various production lines. Their Drycom system continually measures moisture content during production, automatically adjusting energy and speed in ovens and dryers to maintain the optimum moisture content. This precision in moisture control prevents processing issues and unnecessary energy costs, directly impacting the profitability of textile production.
Enhancing Sustainability in Machinery: A Profitable Investment
Jason Kent emphasizes that the cost-effective longevity achieved through retrofitting makes sustainable and financial sense. By extending the lifespan of textile machinery, manufacturers can not only contribute to sustainable practices but also enhance their profitability, aligning with the global shift toward more eco-conscious manufacturing processes. The efforts of BTMA members underscore the importance of optimizing existing machinery to ensure both sustainability and profitability in the textile industry.
Source: BTMA
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