The companies will leverage each other’s technologies, namely Archroma’s dyes and specialty chemicals and CleanKore’s patented process for dyeing denim, which eliminates the need for using potassium permanganate (PP) spray and laser booster to achieve the bright white abrasion effect in the finishing process.

CleanKore said its process also saves up to 15 liters of water per garment produced, as well as increasing yield between 10-20% because of a faster garment wash-down and elimination of the PP spray. 

Under European harmonized classification and labelling rules, PP is classified as very toxic to aquatic life and suspected of damaging fertility or unborn children.

The Westlake, Ohio-based company added that the technology has been tested and verified at several different denim mills worldwide, for example in the US, India, Thailand, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan and Vietnam, among others.

“The response from the industry has been overwhelmingly positive,” said CleanKore CEO Darryl Costin Jr. “Having a partner in Archroma, one that is highly respected for their innovation and emphasis on sustainability throughout the industry, will allow us to take CleanKore to the next level.”

Archroma will support denim mills seeking to implement CleanKore’s technology by developing the right colors and chemical systems for their production set-up.

Author: Ellaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist