[pageLogInLogOut]

#Textile chemistry

Jeanologia urges industry to accelerate PP Spray phase-out following ZDHC Watchlist update

Since 2015, Jeanologia has set the standard with laser, Light Bright and G2 Ozone technologies, achieving authentic vintage effects in denim without chemical spraying © 2026 Jeanologia
Potassium permanganate has officially entered the Chemical Watchlist of the ZDHC Foundation, signaling increased scrutiny and potential phase-out of one of the most hazardous chemicals still used in denim finishing. The inclusion confirms an industry shift that Jeanologia anticipated more than a decade ago.


For years, Jeanologia has called for the elimination of PP spray, warning about its impact on worker health, operational safety and the environment. Now, the industry is formally acknowledging what has been evident on factory floors worldwide.

PP spray is commonly used to create localized vintage effects in denim, but it exposes operators to chemical micro-particles and presents serious occupational risks. Despite growing awareness and available alternatives, this practice continues to be used in parts of the industry. According to Jeanologia, millions of workers globally are still affected by this process.

Jeanologia eliminated the need for PP spray in 2015, becoming the first technology provider to offer a scalable industrial alternative through laser-based finishing. Today, the company replaces PP spray through its laser technology with Light Bright tool and combined with G2 Ozone technology, delivering authentic vintage effects without chemical spraying. The solution offers full digital control, safer working conditions and reliable industrial performance.

This approach is reinforced by Jeanologia’s Environmental Impact Measuring (EIM) platform. In its Innovations and Challenges in Denim Finishing 2024 Report, EIM identifies potassium permanganate as one of the remaining high-risk processes in garment finishing and highlights the urgent need for safer technologies, reinforcing laser-based solutions as a low-impact alternative.

“PP spray belongs to the past. This is not about compliance; it’s about protecting people and transforming the way denim is made. The tools to eliminate PP already exist and are fully scalable. What the industry needs now is courage to move forward. It’s time to ban PP SPRAY and embrace a cleaner, safer future for denim.” claims Jeanologia’s Global Marketing Director Carmen Silla.

Over the past decade, Jeanologia has progressively replaced the most hazardous denim finishing processes with eco-efficient technologies, becoming the first company to eliminate sandblasting and to advance alternatives to stone washing, manual scraping and PP spray. Today, its laser and G2 Ozone technologies are implemented worldwide, enabling denim brands to achieve the same aesthetic results while improving worker safety, reducing chemical use and lowering water consumption, with measurable impact across global production.

As transparency requirements, ESG reporting frameworks and chemical management standards continue to evolve, early adoption of safer technologies is increasingly becoming a competitive advantage. Jeanologia calls on brands, laundries and manufacturers to accelerate the transition toward chemical-free finishing. The technology exists. The transition is achievable. The time to act is now. BAN PP SPRAY is no longer a vision. It is already an industrial reality.





More News from JEANOLOGIA S.L.

#Denim

Jeanologia brings “Billy” to China, the AI transforming denim design

The denim industry is turning its attention to Hangzhou this week, where a new edition of Kingpins, the leading international trade show for the sector, takes place on May 21 and 22. There, the Spanish company Jeanologia, a global leader in sustainable technologies for the textile industry, is introducing its latest innovation to the Chinese market: “Billy”, the first artificial intelligence specifically developed for denim finishing design.

#Denim

Denim moves towards sustainability

EIM (Environmental Impact Measurement), the global reference platform for measuring the environmental impact of garment finishing, presents the second edition of its annual report Denim Industry Progress & Insights 2025. The study analyses over 100,000 real denim finishing processes, providing an accurate and up-to-date view of the industry’s evolution towards more sustainable models.

#Textile processing

Jeanologia showcases the future of product development

Jeanologia is showcasing how software is transforming product development in the fashion industry at PI Apparel Europe: The Fashion Technology Show, taking place on March 30–31 in London.

#Denim

Jeanologia launches Billy

The new AI extracts precise laser designs from a garment image in minutes, transforming how vintage denim is recreated for production. If Jeanologia’s laser changed the way jeans were made at the end of the last century, its AI now takes the next step: moving from reproducing wear to designing it. / archive photo © 2026 Jeanologia

More News on Textile chemistry

Latest News

#ITM 2026

The future of textiles, the power of trade, and the summit of technology come together at ITM 2026

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious organizations in the textile technologies sector, opens its doors to visitors between June 9-13. Expected to break records in terms of both exhibitor and visitor numbers, as well as the technological vision it presents, ITM 2026 will transform into a global trade hub with machine sales, and new business collaborations.

#Nonwoven machines

ATCO Hygienics, Uzbekistan, orders baby diaper production line from ANDRITZ

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from ATCO Hygienics to supply a new baby diaper production line for its plant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The order is included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2026. Commissioning of the production line is scheduled for the end of 2026.

#Weaving

Itema manufactures the first Projectile Weaving Machines “Made in Italy” at its Colzate Headquarters.

Itema proudly announces an important industrial milestone: in early May, the first Itema projectile weaving machines manufactured in Italy were successfully produced at the Group’s headquarters in Colzate.

#Spinning

Nico Pedretti appointed as Managing Director Graf Group

As of June 1, 2026, Nico Pedretti has assumed the role of Managing Director Graf Group. With more than 20 years of international industrial experience and extensive expertise in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Finance and Controlling, he brings a broad range of leadership and business experience to support Graf’s continued success.

TOP