Advanced Denim by Clariant - The full colors of sustainability

Supporting steps towards zero discharge in denim dyeing for more environmentally-compatible clothing production
Rainbow on earth: a more efficient way to explore new color possibilities
Introducing the Clariant Denim Book: from the specialist for dyes and process solutions, a comprehensive industry overview - from cotton to fashion

Singapore, May 15, 2012 - At the forthcoming Denim by Première Vision from 23-24 May 2012 in Paris, Clariant, a global leader in specialty chemicals, will showcase the essential new products and technologies with which brands can truly differentiate their jeans.

Towards “zero discharge” in denim dyeing

Brands are becoming more and more eco-conscious in their choice of materials and suppliers; a positive development, which following the recent Greenpeace ‘Dirty Laundry’ report – investigating hazardous chemical discharges into water supplies – will ensure an even closer look at supply chains.

In response to this challenge, a leading group of companies including sportswear giants and major retailers rapidly made pledges to work together over specified time periods with the so-called “Joint roadmap Toward Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals” issued in November 2011.

This serves to illustrate the major and growing importance of sustainable processing for generating positive publicity and ultimately retaining consumer confidence. For Clariant, this is nothing new. And for denim brands, this should certainly be a major consideration.

Traditionally, the production of denim has involved huge quantities of water, with all the attendant problems of cleaning or disposing of the significant amount of wastewater. This, however, is rapidly becoming a thing of the past, thanks to Clariant’s Advanced Denim technology.

“Wastewater in denim mills is largely generated by the washing off and rinsing processes,” explained Miguel Sanchez, Head of Global Product Line special Dyes in the Textile Chemicals business unit of Clariant. “Usually, in dyeing with indigo, a tremendous amount of water is used in washing off. With the first Advanced Denim process though – the Denim-Ox – water consumption for washing off is significantly reduced, so the wastewater generated is much less than in the conventional process. The Pad/Sizing-Ox process is one step forward in this line as there is no water consumption for rinsing!”

In total, when employing the Clariant Advanced Denim processes, water consumption can be reduced by as much as 92%, while 63% of the usual cotton waste is avoided and around 30% can be saved in energy costs too compared to a traditional denim process.

This ready-to-use Clariant solution towards zero discharge is already available to retailers and brands from many accredited mills around the world today.

Clariant, as a leading supplier of chemical solutions for the textile industry, has always been committed to develop products and application processes that are safer and gentler for the consumer and for the environment. “We are an active member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and the Textile Exchange, as well as a System Partner of bluesign®,” comments Miguel Sanchez “and Advanced Denim is only one of the many innovations we have introduced as a result of this commitment”.

Rainbow on earth: a more efficient way to explore new color possibilities

Right now there is another big advantage to Advanced Denim – suddenly everyone wants color in their jeans and Clariant has an efficient solution to support this.

Henry Ford famously began producing cars in “any color as long as it’s black”, and for many years denim producers have likewise over-relied on variants of the traditional ‘blue’ jeans.

While there will always be a place for this classic look, the latest fashion trends are seeing denim explode into a rainbow of earth tones.

Colors other than blue have been in the past trickier to achieve but with Diresul® RDT dyes in combination with the Denim-Ox and Pad/Sizing Ox processes it is much easier. The process is simple to control, more efficient and suitable for small batches. Advanced Denim makes it very simple to rapidly respond to changing demands from the market.

Clariant’s full range of Diresul RDT sulfur dyes, including non-indigo based Diresul RDT Indicolors, allow unique effects, better reproducibility of tones and shades and more precise results to be achieved – without making any changes to existing production lines.

“Denim is in constant evolution and new innovations will surely influence the future of the industry,” says Miguel Sanchez. “Clariant’s experts support the creativity of brands and stylists with state-of-the-art chemistry for exciting colors and effects which bring together technology and sustainability.”

Introducing the Clariant Denim Book - from cotton to fashion

Denim by Première Vision will also see the launch of the Clariant Denim Book, an invaluable contribution building on Clariant’s many decades of experience in working with the denim industry as the specialist for dyes and process solutions.

The Clariant Denim Book offers denim professionals, fashion designers or buyers, or anyone who is just passionate about denim, a complete overview of denim manufacturing – from cotton to fashion.

“The Denim Book truly shows that Clariant has become the chemical company to call when innovative technology is needed to bring to life new denim ideas and challenges,” comments Miguel Sanchez. Written by Clariant’s specialist team in Barcelona, it offers an overview of the history and development of the denim industry and a helpful insight into the many process steps and products currently involved in the manufacture of jeans.

The Clariant Denim Book can be downloaded on the company’s Advanced Denim website: www.advanceddenim.clariant.com.