Typically, huge amount of water and chemicals are used to make the bleaching and dyeing recipes and it is drained after each process cycle. However, in this novel and IP protected solution textile bleach recycling is achieved. This system is already licensed to one of the top textile industry of the country and it is being successfully used in their production for export orders. There is approximately saving of 78% in water, 17% in chemical, significant saving in energy and minimum load on effluent treatment plant. This technology is applicable to exhaust, continuous and denim washing.

There is huge textile industry and post-consumer waste, and it is leading to lot of problems. Conversion of waste recycling into value added product is tough and challenging task. UET textile department has achieved this task with success. Such textile waste recycling is not affected by blend of fibers and other such issues typical of other method of recycling. Waste is not only converted into value added products like carbon black, composite, conductive inks but additional bio-oil having good calorific value is also achieved etc.

Natural dyes only impart good shade depth and fastness when it is incorporated by toxic metallic mordant which makes the whole process less sustainable. However, this patented technology has successfully achieved the good results with natural dyes without toxic mordant. Local source of natural dyes are also sorted to make it commercially feasible.

Micro nano bubble dyeing and finishing process is extremely water and energy efficient and could lead up to 80% saving of water. However, it is extremely difficult to achieve good uniformity and performance through this technology due to very less amount of water. Typically, this technique is only restricted to few low dosage finishes. However, our patented technology has significantly improved the performance of the micro-nano bubble dyeing and finishing process.

Typically certain toxic finishes like DEET are required to obtain good mosquito repellency for textile. However, our patented technology is cost effective, 100% bio and very effective against mosquito repellency for textile. It also impact additional performance properties as well.

Resins are used in wide range of textile applications including easy care performance, fastness improvement and for durability of range of finishes. However, most effective resin finishes are formaldehyde based and formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. Our IP protected technology is not only formaldehyde free, but it is 100% bio as well and yet very cost and performance effective.

Almost all effective antiviral and antimicrobial finishes for textile are metal based and it has serious environment and safety concern. Our patent protected technology is not only metal free but it is bio based as well and yet very effective for antiviral and antimicrobial effect. It is an ISO certified lab tested technology with results of “Full effect” for anti-viral. It also impact better filtration efficiency due to special effect and cost effective as well.

Typical effective fire retardant for textile are halogen and formaldehyde based. However, our developed fire-retardant finish is not only halogen and formaldehyde free, but it is partially bio based as well. In addition, it imparts additional performance properties as well.

All the effective oil and water repellents are fluorocarbon based. Unfortunately, there is severe toxic issues especially with higher fluorocarbon-based oil and water repellents. Our developed technology is not only fluorine free, but it is bio based as well and yet it imparts good performance properties.

Banana plant stem can be a very useful alternative source for fiber. However, after the extraction of fiber from stem there is requirement of extensive chemical treatment to make it processable in textile and it make the whole process less environment friendly, more expensive and it will also require additional wastewater treatment plants and control of discharge. However, our developed technology is chemical free and yet quite effective. In addition, we have state of the art mini complete spinning range to develop such and other bio-based yarns and fabrics. We have successfully dyed it with range of natural dyes without toxic mordant as well.

Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) program is one of the most holistic approach adopted by most of the top brands related to textile sustainability. ZDHC program is getting bigger and bigger and now include majority of the textile supply chain. MRSL, wastewater guidelines etc are constantly changing and rules are getting more and more tough. Since it is a living program and constantly adding more and more areas into it, making it very effective yet complicated. Textile mills are finding it hard to adjust with the ZDHC program. However, we have trained top textile industry on this program and have in depth and up to date knowledge related to ZDHC. In addition, detailed training and guidelines related to ZDHC, MRSL and wastewater handling is also provided.

Chemical management and global harmonized system (GHS) implementation for textile mills are getting more and more important as almost all the textile sustainability standards and certifications required this in one way or another. We have developed the chemical management and GHS system in textile mills and have the expertise in this area with up-to-date knowledge.

Energy efficiency and conservation (EECL) Lab has recently been established at KICS in order to develop strong linkage with local industries with energy conservation key concept in mind. Energy conservation is equally important to Energy generation as far as energy deficit issues are concerned in Pakistan. The lab performs domestic, commercial and industrial energy audits, provides hands on training to Engineers and Diploma holders, continue and sustain "Energy Efficiency Advisor" Program in collaboration with GIZ and Sequa. The lab also provides support in establishing other facilities related to Motor Testing and Air Conditioner Unit Testing and Labeling for textile and other industries. Objectives

• To Develop Energy Efficiency culture in industries.
• Up grade skills of staff for sustainable organizational development.
• Develop and implement the energy action plan (in industries), resulting in reduced manufacturing cost.
• Deliver technical trainings to graduates and industrial professionals on Energy Efficiency and Conservation.

KICS provide whole range of IT based solution for textile and other industries and some of the glimpse can be seen here https://kics.edu.pk/web/research-technology/research-areas/ For details visit https://kics.edu.pk/web/services/application-software-and-erp-development-services/

Alternate energy research and innovation lab (AERIL) focuses on research and innovation in the areas of renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, fuel cell etc), energy optimization, testing and certification, sustainable energy efficient development, and alternate energy based home and office appliances. Product and Services: The lab offers services in the areas of

• Energy audits and energy optimization

An energy assessment can help the user to determine what sort of purchases and improvements will save the money and energy. The audit will also identify the areas where the user can conserve energy and become more efficient. An energy checkup helps to determine where the appliances are losing energy and money and how such problems can be corrected to make the home more energy efficient. An auditor checkup the facility which includes Energy leakages, examining insulation, luminosity test, inspecting the ductwork, performing heat test using an infrared camera

• Alternate energy solutions for domestic & telecom industry
• Test facility for PV solution and all its components
• Solar based home, kitchen and garden appliances
• Design and development of solar powered LiBr absorption chiller
• Design and development of solar powered Director and Indirect Evaporative Cooling system
• Solar sewing machine for cottage industry

Achievements

• Evaluated the “Chief Minister’s Ujaala Program” worth of Rs.4.0Billion and Govt. of Punjab distributed the systems among the bright students.
• Established a PV household systems lab in a very short time frame

At CERAD, UET has one of the most comprehensive solar labs. It include comprehensive solar testing and guidance. Solar panel cleaning and efficiency improvement projects are also being carried out.