First deployment of Xefco’s Ausora tech set for upcoming Shinta Woo Sung Vietnam factory

Australian textile technology developer Xefco has announced the first commercial deployment of its plasma-based, water-free dyeing and finishing technology, to be installed at a Shinta Woo Sung (SWS) facility in Vietnam.

SWS is a footwear fabrics specialist headquartered in Indonesia, with its website listing companies including Nike, Patagonia, New Balance and Calvin Klein.

Xefco was co-founded in 2018 by CEO Tom Hussey and Brian Conolly, and announced a raise of $10.5 million in venture funding in April last year.

The Australian startup said in a statement on Monday that the purpose-built facility to use its Ausora system represented a major move toward eliminating water use in textile processing.

“Having the opportunity to collaborate and partner with a global leader in footwear fabrics… is a giant step forward in sustainable environmental stewardship,” said Timothy J. Skedzuhn, Global Commercial Director, Xefco.

Simon Choi, Managing Director of SWS, added that the upcoming facility will be adjacent to Ho Chi Minh City’s footwear hub 

“As a global leader in footwear textiles, SWS continually invests in next-generation technologies that advance both performance and sustainability,” said Choi.

Xefco describes Ausora as using a “proprietary plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) process”, eliminating wastewater discharge, which also reduces chemical use, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 97 per cent, 90 per cent and 94 per cent. It was developed in collaboration with researchers at Deakin University’s Institute.

Textile manufacture is estimated to be the second-largest industrial user of water after agriculture.

Ausora is the company’s second product, following XReflex, an ultra-thin coating method which increases the thermal efficiency of insulated clothing, and which is in use by major international apparel brands.

Picture: supplied

Further reading

Xefco raises $10m for sustainable textile technologies

Xefco, Deakin reach for water-less garment dyeing

Xefco, PPK announce antibacterial facemask JV

$380 million REACH to launch at Deakin on Monday