Archroma Breaks New Ground with Aniline-Free Indigo for Denim

As a responsible industry leader, Archroma has launched Denisol® Pure Indigo 30 Liq., the latest product in its long-running sustainable innovations for denim that began in 2009. The company operates on the belief that it is important to actively pursue eco-improved solutions that are attractive and cost-effective for apparel brands, retailers and end consumers alike. This new product is aniline-free. This new process offers a non-toxic way of producing the traditional, iconic indigo blue that consumers associate with denim. In the same year, Archroma introduced "Advanced Denim" technology, which uses up to 90% less water in the dyeing process. Based on sulphur rather than indigo, "Advanced Denim" is itself an aniline-free solution. For designers and brands with long-standing original indigo inspiration, the new Denisol® Pure Indigo 30 Liq. also makes it possible to produce high-quality aniline-free indigo-dyed denim. Today, aniline is an unavoidable component in the production of indigo-dyed denim. Unlike other chemical compounds, aniline becomes locked into the indigo pigment during the dyeing process and therefore does not leach from the fabric. Scientific tests have shown that aniline is toxic to humans, causing skin allergies, damage to vital organs, genetic disorders and cancer. Aniline is also toxic to aquatic life, and this has led to a problem where two-thirds of the approximately 400 metric tonnes of aniline waste generated annually pollutes the environment through wastewater discharge. For this reason, this toxic chemical has begun to feature prominently on the restricted substance lists (RSL) of some major apparel brands and retailers. Archroma tested a number of denim garments and found that some manufacturers had aniline concentrations higher than they should be.

Guaranteeing that it will address the challenges in innovation, Archroma decided to examine the issue more closely with its R&D experts and developed an alternative system that is aniline-free. Archroma is challenging the status quo with its belief in sustainability in the industry.

As a result, it aims to protect denim manufacturing workers, consumers wearing denim and the environment through cleaner water pathways by removing aniline, a hazardous pollutant in the denim supply process. This product used in the denim dyeing industry is compatible with all types of dyeing machinery. Since there is no need to prepare stock vat solution, it provides advantages by using 50% less caustic, 60% less hydrosulfite and 10% less indigo in the sulphur dyeing bath. Compared to standard sulphur dyeing bath, Denisol® Pure Indigo 30 Liq. enables deeper and more effective colours on dyed fabrics while improving rub fastness in dark shades. By reducing the amount of dissolved solids (sulphates, sulphites, etc.) in wastewater, environmental damage is minimized. Denisol® Pure Indigo 30 Liq. does not cause sedimentation in storage tanks and does not clog tank pipes, so it has easy dosing properties. It provides a cleaner working environment by minimizing ambient dust. Archroma has successfully tested Denisol® Pure Indigo 30 Liq. at the Absolute Denim facility in Thailand. During testing, everything was done exactly the same as conventional indigo dyeing. The only significant difference was the use of the aniline-free process. Through this work, Archroma received very positive feedback from the industry during preview presentations and at the launch at Planet Textiles. Archroma aims to produce Denisol® Pure Indigo 30 Liq. in the most sustainable way possible. Denisol® Pure Indigo 30 Liq. will be produced at its facility in Pakistan, which made headlines in 2012 and which Archroma believes is the industry's first zero liquid discharge facility. For more information about Archroma's denim solutions, you can visit Archroma at the Interdye Printing Eurasia 2018 fair, which will take place between 25-27 October, or access detailed information from our website. Emrah Eşder General Manager Turkey and Middle East Archroma Turkey