#Textile chemistry

2019-07-03

ARCHROMA to introduce new eco-advanced "indigo clone" solution

Archroma, a global leader in color and specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, has recently launched at the ITMA exhibition its new Diresul® Smartdenim Blue, a liquid sulfur blue dye designed to mimic indigo.

Diresul® Smartdenim Blue liquid was developed in compliance with “The Archroma Way: safe, efficient, enhanced, it’s our nature”. The approach finds its origin in Archroma’s deep belief that it is possible to make the textile industry sustainable, economically and ecologically.

The new product will be the core of Archroma's Indigo Reflection, a coloration system that behaves like indigo, with an even more sustainable and efficient application process compared to indigo.

With this new innovation, Archroma completes its spectrum of eco-advanced denim coloration solutions, from this new indigo-mimicking Diresul® Smartdenim Blue which is aniline-free* and can be used in Archroma’s water-saving Advanced Denim technology, to its recent launch of the purest indigo, the aniline-free* pre-reduced liquid Denisol® Pure Indigo liquid.

The sulfur-based Diresul® RDT Indicolors dyes have been introduced by Archroma back in 2007 to offer a water-saving alternative to indigo for blue denim, especially when applied with Archroma’s recommended Advanced Denim application processes, Denim-Ox and Pad-Sizing-Ox.

Diresul® Smartdenim Blue is a liquid sulfur dye that behaves like liquid indigo in elegant neutral-green blue tone and in the most common wash-down processes.

Diresul® Smartdenim Blue has been especially designed to address the limitations of the Indicolors earlier technology. The new Diresul® Smartdenim Blue has a greener shade, better fastness to minimize back staining, and allows to create overall wash-downs much closer to actual indigo than any other dyestuff, whilst avoiding greyish cast especially in bleaching with hypochlorite.

Diresul® Smartdenim Blue can be applied in all the standard dyeing methods recommended for sulfur dyes, including pad-ox, pad-steam, exhaust, denim in all its variations (color denim, bottoming and topping of indigo), as well as in the Advanced Denim procedures (Denim-Ox, Pad-Sizing-Ox).

The innovation is the brain child of the Global Competence Center for Denim & Special Dyes experts in Archroma’s Castellbisbal plant, near Barcelona, Spain, where Diresul® Smartdenim Blue is produced.

Diresul® Smartdenim Blue meets the requirements of the major brand and retailer manufacturing restricted substances list (MRSL) and eco-labels such as C2C**, and it is aniline free*.

“In the current context of tight availability of indigo precursors,” says Albert Llort, Head of Archroma’s Global Competence Center for Denim & Special Dyes, “Archroma offers with Diresul® Smartdenim Blue an alternative dyestuff to create new blue denim articles that is aniline-free* and light in water consumption, but also offers a reliable supply source. Because it’s our nature!”

Archroma launches the first truly durable silicone softener for cotton that stays silky soft for longer: SILIGEN® D2W LIQ C

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, today launched SILIGEN® D2W LIQ C, the industry’s first truly durable silicone softener for cellulosic as well as cotton-lycra blended knits. Designed to keep the fabric soft and elastic for an extended usage, it is ideal for textile and fashion applications where long-lasting comfort and breathability are important, from undergarments and sleepwear to baby and children’s clothing, dresses and trousers, activewear, T-shirts and towels.

Archroma and Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (V.J.T.I.) forge strategic partnership to advance research and sustainability

Archroma, a global leader in sustainable specialty chemicals, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (V.J.T.I.), Mumbai, to advance research and innovation in green chemistry and sustainable technologies. This strategic partnership brings together industry expertise and academic excellence to tackle some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Archroma unveils breakthrough washing-off auxiliary for outstanding color fastness and resource efficiency in reactive dyeing

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, today launched CYCLANON® XC-W e, an innovative washing-off auxiliary that improves productivity and reduces resource consumption in cellulosic dyeing while delivering outstanding color fastness, even in difficult high-electrolyte or hard water conditions.

Zschimmer & Schwarz at ITMA Asia in Singapore

At ITMA Asia in October 2025, Zschimmer & Schwarz will present 100 % bio-based spin finishes from the LERTISAN range designed for hygiene nonwovens, and HYDROSET ECO-DRY, a bio-based wicking agent that delivers excellent moisture management for synthetic fabrics. For dye fixation on polyamide, the company has developed a sustainable, plant-based product completely free from phenol, bisphenol, and formaldehyde. The patented aftertreatment agent ZETESAL ECO-FIX PA ensures durable and reliable fixation, particularly on dark shades.

Covestro and Heraeus Precious Metals collaborate to enable safer, more sustainable antimicrobial textile coatings

Laboratory tests reveal that AGXX antimicrobial surface technology from Heraeus Precious Metals is fully compatible with Impranil® PU dispersions which are part of the waterborne INSQIN® textile coating technology from Covestro, paving the way for more sustainable antimicrobial textile coatings. This discovery comes at a key moment for the textile coatings industry. As the sharing economy continues to grow, more people are coming into regular contact with high-use surfaces, creating ideal conditions for bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to thrive.

ERCA S.p.A. got ISCC PLUS Certification

ERCA S.p.A., a leader in chemical innovation, exclusive manufacturer of REVECOL®, brand owned by ERCA Textile Chemical Solutions (ERCA TCS) an independent company within the same group, specialized in supplying chemical solutions for the textile industry is proud to announce its transition to ISCC PLUS certification (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification), confirming its ongoing commitment to bioeconomy and circular economy practices and certified innovation.

Groz-Beckert showcases textile innovation at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025 in Singapore

From October 28 to 31, 2025, the global textile industry will gather at ITMA Asia + CITME at the Singapore Expo, where Groz-Beckert will present its latest highlights and innovations across its six product areas – Knitting, Weaving, Nonwovens, Tufting, Sewing, and Spinning – at Hall 5, Booth B301.

Technical textiles for more and new business

KARL MAYER's composite machines and warp knitting machines with weft insertion produce technical textiles offering an impressive variety of properties and textures. The range of tasks these textiles can perform is as broad as the spectrum of their possible fields of application. Both newcomers with the right textile solution and already established players can trust their business will flourish, as demonstrated by the examples from KARL MAYER's Technical Textiles division at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025. The exhibition at stand A 301 in Hall 5 of the Singapore EXPO focuses on two areas: filtration and construction.