Application of Cleaner Production Measures in a Thread Dyeing Company

Abstract

The goal of this work is to implement a plan to minimize waste and emissions in a dyeing company specializing in thread from Salcajá, Quetzaltenango, South Western Guatemala, by way of cleaner production measures. To this end, a series of actions to reduce the pollution generated by the company were proposed and evaluated. Of all the measures considered in this work, that gave the best results, namely good manufacturing practices, water-management measures, and a reduction in reagent replacement during dyeing with Sulfur Black to prevent the release of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), are presented. It is anticipated that implementation of these measures can lead to a 41% reduction in water consumption during the process and a 25% reduction in the use of chemicals compared to the nonoptimized process, a marked reduction in the emission of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and odor, as well as an improvement in product quality. In addition, the implementation of other qualitative benefits, such as improvements in employee safety is anticipated.