Evolution of right‐first‐time dyeing production

The concept of right‐first‐time production has become an essential feature of textile processing to enable companies to remain competitive and profitable through the many benefits achieved by this concept, not least the major cost savings that are obtained. It is perhaps surprising that no formal research and development programme was ever undertaken to achieve right‐first‐time in practical dyeing processes. The successful evolution of the concept depended on work carried out over many years by a relatively small number of organisations. Many application research and development projects were carried out, mainly with the laboratory, pilot‐plant and bulk‐scale equipment of the major users and manufacturers of dyes and equipment, to elucidate the important factors in achieving this concept.