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ATB – Acabamentos Têxteis de Barcelos and the University of Coimbra signed a protocol this afternoon for the installation and testing of the first industrial prototype of the Dyeloop technology, strengthening the link between industry and academia in support of sustainable innovation.
The agreement was formalised by Ricardo Mano, CEO of ATB, and Nuno Mendonça, Vice-Rector for Innovation, Corporate Relations and Employability at the University of Coimbra. In a joint statement, the entities stressed that “this agreement highlights the importance of companies being open to innovation,” adding that, with this signing, “ATB reinforces its mission and strategic vision centred on the continuous improvement of dyeing and finishing processes.”
The Dyeloop technology enables the reuse of dyeing effluents that still contain colour, reintegrating dyes into the production process through a circular approach. The project foresees a reduction of up to 50% in costs associated with textile dyeing, alongside significant environmental benefits resulting from reduced waste and optimised resource use.
The development of the industrial prototype was made possible through funding from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which granted €1.4 million to the initiative. ATB has collaborated on the project since its early stages, and this agreement represents a decisive step towards deepening the partnership and accelerating the practical application of the technology.
“This is a major step forward for textile sustainability. I am pleased to mark the formal signing of the Dyeloop project cooperation agreement, a milestone that consolidates the strategic partnership between ATB, the University of Coimbra and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation,” Miguel Domingues told T Jornal.
Luís Cristino, who has played a bridging role between academia and industry in this project, also emphasised that “this agreement reflects the commitment of all those involved to promote innovative and sustainable solutions for the textile sector, from research to practical application, paving the way for new opportunities in circularity and environmental responsibility.”
ATB thus becomes the first company to host the industrial prototype and to carry out the initial tests assessing the technology’s suitability in a real production environment. To mark the occasion, the Dyeloop research team, members of UC Business and ATB employees gathered for a group photograph, symbolising a collaboration aimed at transforming scientific knowledge into tangible industrial impact.