On Dec 2, Novozymes and China Knitting Industry Association (CKIA) signed a strategic partnership agreement in Beijing to jointly promote the sustainable development of biological solutions in the Chinese textile industry. In particular, the agreement addresses bio-innovative application and research in the knitting sector.

Low carbon emissions, energy savings and environmental protection are among the goals of the agreement. The two sides will cooperate in many areas, including sewage treatment at knitting enterprises and energy conservation. Novozymes will provide basic tests, research and technical guidance.

Today, the textile industry is confronted with increasing costs and serious environmental problems. By analyzing the environmental monitoring system with higher standards and pollution prevention index, CKIA anticipates that environmental pressures will become a major problem for Chinese knitting enterprises in future. Therefore, seeking sustainable, environmental-friendly technology to replace out-of-dated technology that has caused severe pollution and energy waste is vital to the sustainable and scientific development of the Chinese knitting industry.

The application of biological enzyme technology in textile processing can simplify the process, save costs, improve quality and make economic and environmental benefits. Enzymes are biological catalysts that are derived from nature.

Novozymes will provide "microbial and biologically-efficient" technology for knitting enterprises to improve the efficiency of wastewater solution facilities by lowering the costs and simplifying the operational process.

"The cooperation between China Knitting Industry Association and Novozymes will make the China textile industry more ecological by making progress in pollution control and cleaner production," said Zhang Yankai, vice-chairman of China National Textile and Apparel Council, "Also, it would contribute to building a resource-saving and environment-friendly society." As Zhang said, the environment of the printing industry and pollution control are the key factors in the sustainable development of the textile industry.

"We want to tackle the challenges through the cooperation with high-tech enterprises from Europe and America. Using biological technology to deal with environmental problems would bring lower risks, reasonable costs and fewer side effects," said Yang Shibin, chairman of China Knitting Industry Association, "Costs should be reduced by optimizing production management. Improved management will save manpower and increase efficiency."

"Novozymes as a leading Danish enterprise in China has achieved good practice by their advanced biotechnology in the textile industry and wastewater solutions," says Susanne Nors, Danish Commercial Counselor to China. "We hope that the Danish biological solution can provide opportunities for the Chinese knitting industry."

"Novozymes has accumulated 60 years of experience in the textile industry," says Michael Christiansen, regional president of Novozymes, Asia Pacific, "Focusing on the need of the customer, we will develop new enzymes and micro-organism solutions by closely cooperating with our Chinese partners, with the aim of promoting technological innovation and boosting industrial upgrading."