A renowned name in colour and speciality chemicals, Archroma showcased its ‘aniline-free’ denim indigo dye at the recently held Planet Textiles 2018 Conference in Canada.
The dye gives a non-toxic way to produce the traditional blue colour that is more often associated with denim apparels.
Importantly, Aniline is a toxic chemical which was essential for the brands to make traditional ‘blue’ denim products. When applied, the chemical sticks onto the indigo pigment at the time of dyeing and hence it is impossible to wash off from the fabric.
Aniline impurities are harmful to humans, reportedly, it causes skin allergies, damage to major organs and it can go as bad as a cause of cancer.
Not only it is toxic to humans, it is dangerous for aquatic life also. By using aniline chemical during the production of indigo dye, 400 metric tonnes of waste is generated annually; out of which 2/3rd is discharged into waterbodies as waste-water discharge.
As a result, the toxic chemical ended up on Restricted Substance List (RSL) of major apparel brands like Levi Strauss, Burberry and H&M.
Alexander Wessels, CEO, Archroma, said, “We have tested denim garments and the results showed that aniline concentrations are way over the expected levels.”
Thus, after working with their R&D experts, the company found an aniline-free alternative – Denisol Pure Indigo 30, which it claims to be the ‘most-sustainable’ way possible at present.
Further, the latest innovation by Archroma consumes 90 per cent less water at the time of dyeing.
