Alchemie, Acatel Partner To Scale Precision Jet Dyeing

BTMA member Alchemie Technology, a Cambridge-based pioneer in precision jet dyeing solutions, has partnered with Acatel, a leading sustainable textile manufacturer in Portugal, to accelerate the industrial-scale deployment of low-carbon dyeing technology.

Under the collaboration, the two companies will validate and optimise Alchemie’s Endeavour system for knitted cellulosic fabrics, marking a key step towards large-scale commercial adoption. The technology enables dye houses to reduce energy use and CO₂ emissions by up to 85 percent, achieve chemistry savings of up to 30 percent and cut water consumption by up to 95 percent compared to conventional dyeing processes.

Alchemie’s proprietary liquid application technology uses a combination of large droplet size and high droplet velocity to deliver precise, non-contact penetration into textile fabrics, offering a fully electric alternative to traditional wet processing routes.

As part of the partnership, Alchemie and Acatel will undertake a twelve-month R&D programme aimed at preparing the Endeavour system for industrial manufacturing and demonstrating its ability to replace conventional dyeing methods. The programme will be based at the Acatel Innovation Hub in northern Portugal, leveraging Acatel’s industrial expertise, manufacturing infrastructure and innovation-driven ecosystem.

The collaboration will focus on knitted cellulosic fabrics including cotton, lyocell, linen, hemp and wool blends, supporting the commercial readiness of Alchemie’s digital dyeing platform for global markets.

“Transforming one of the world’s most resource-intensive industrial processes requires resilience, vision and innovation,” said Dr Alan Hudd, Founder and CEO of Alchemie Technology. “Being part of the Acatel Innovation Hub is exactly the kind of partnership needed to scale sustainable textile solutions globally.”

Founded in 1985, Acatel has built a strong reputation for integrating advanced manufacturing technologies with environmental responsibility. The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of next-generation dyeing technologies while reinforcing the role of the Acatel Innovation Hub in bringing scalable sustainable solutions to the textile industry.

“Acatel’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship aligns perfectly with Alchemie’s mission,” said Tércio Pinto, Board Member at Acatel. “Through this collaboration, we are empowering textile producers to redefine responsible manufacturing.”

To mark the partnership, Alchemie and Acatel will exhibit side-by-side at Première Vision Paris from February 3–5, where visitors will be able to assess the look, feel and performance of fabrics processed using the Endeavour technology.

Welcoming the development, Jason Kent, CEO of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA), said, “Textile dyeing remains a significant source of pollution. Alchemie’s digital technologies, developed in the UK and now being commercialised in Europe, promise a dramatic reduction in energy consumption while eliminating contaminated wastewater, representing a major sustainability breakthrough for the industry.”