Resil, Acticell partner on green denim treatment

Resil Chemicals, one of Asia’s leading textile finishing chemicals and auxiliary manufacturer has joined forces with Acticell GmbH, an Austrian Chemical research company committed to developing environmentally friendly, sustainable textiles. The collaboration is focused on developing a range of green, sustainable chemical solutions for the denim industry.

Resil is partnering with Acticell to eliminate what they consider a hazardous process of using potassium permanganate spray in denim. Most denim manufacturers rely on hazardous chemical processes like potassium permanganate treatments to create effect on denim. Potassium permanganate, considered as toxic and hazardous substance, is sprayed onto the denim fabric with a hand spray gun, exposing the factory employees to the danger of exposure to micro particles of potassium permanganate.

“One of the innovative solutions offered by this collaboration is to substitute potassium permanganate with ACTIGO, a Laser Booster, powered by Green screen listed; patented Acticell technology ”says Ganesh Srinivasan, Executive Director – Innovation, Resil Chemicals. 

“ACTIGO enables jeans manufacturers to move to a new process that eliminates the need for potassium permanganate (PP) spray and hand sand process. The new process of denim treatment carried out prior to Laser step helps to create the new look as well as replicates denim effects similar to that of hand sand and PP process on denim garments just by using ACTIGO – Laser combinations.

ACTIGO, a laser activated bleaching technology also helps in improving laser productivity thereby providing a cost neutral solution to switch over from Potassium permanganate sprays. Additionally, the new process saves water and energy in denim finishing and eliminates labour intensive hand sand and not to mention improving the safety of factory employees. 

According to MS Vijayan, Joint Managing Director, Resil Chemicals, the results from early stages of development with major denim manufacturers have been very positive. “This treatment is now being used by major denim companies in North America and we seek to offer these solutions for South Asia.”