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India is the largest producer of jute in the world and the use of this natural fibre in various value‐added applications is gaining momentum. The use of white biotechnology involving enzymes for the efficient processing of jute is considered to boost its productivity. The present investigation deals with the pretreatment of jute by using ultrasound‐assisted enzymatic scouring followed by bleaching and dyeing. The process showed optimum removal of impurities and improved water absorption capacity with minimal damage to fibre tensile strength. The process parameters and conditions were determined by response surface methodology, where weight loss of jute was kept as the main response. The optimised recipe obtained was 2.8% enzyme concentration, 1 g/L wetting agent at 55°C for 10 minutes at an ultrasound frequency of 40 kHz. The optimised recipe was compared with conventional high‐temperature long‐duration enzymatic scouring and was found to have an equal performance. Further, the scoured jute was dyed with a natural dye extracted from sappan wood and madder. Fourier Transform–infrared analysis was used for characterisation. The wash and light fastness of dyed jute yarn were evaluated and found to meet the industry norms.

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The present investigation aims to develop a method for degumming Eri silk using Sapindus (soapnut) extract and optimise it using response surface methodology (RSM). The initial experiment was conducted with 10 g/L Sapindus extract for 60 min at a boil, and the initial experiments indicated effective degumming. Further degumming experiments were conducted using RSM to optimise the process parameters, with weight loss being the primary response. The results revealed an optimised recipe for degumming was 9 g/L Sapindus extract at 92°C for 30 min, and the desirability value for this optimised recipe is 0.376. Eri silk that has been alkali‐degummed loses more weight than silk degummed with Sapindus extract and soap. Comparatively speaking, degumming with Sapindus extract has a lesser impact on tensile strength than degumming with alkaline and soap. The whiteness, yellowness, brightness, and absorbency values between Sapindus extract and conventional degumming do not significantly differ. Compared with soap and Sapindus extract degumming, alkaline degummed fabric exhibits higher dye uptake. After being degummed with soap and Sapindus extract instead of alkaline, the fabric felt softer. Overall, the results show that both degumming with Sapindus extract and traditional methods are equally effective.

Textile manufacturing is considered to be the mother of industrialization and over the years it has transformed its applications and usage from the basic apparel clothing to the ultra modern technical functions. Viewed as one of the worst polluting industries generating gaseous emission, liquid effluent and solid waste, it is imperative to develop and implement novel methods of processing for enhanced sustainability.

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