Resil Chemicals has partnered with Acticell to eliminate what they consider a hazardous process of using potassium permanganate spray in the denim industry, manufacturers explain.

"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," said Ganesh Srinivasan, executive director innovation, Resil Chemicals.

Moving to new process

Most denim manufacturers rely on hazardous and environmentally damaging chemical processes like potassium permanganate treatments to create effects on denim. Potassium permanganate, considered as a 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.

Actigo has been developed to enable jeans manufacturers to eliminate 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, the company explains.

Improving productivity

Actigo, a laser activated bleaching technology is also said to help 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 M.S. Vijayan, joint managing director, Resil Chemicals.

According to M.S. Vijayan, 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,” he said.

www.resil.com