Contra Denim is described as achieving similar looks to denim such as black and indigo while using less water and more laundry-friendly and laser-based techniques.
Speciality chemicals company Archroma, Türkiye-based textile producer Kipaş Denim and sustainable textile solutions company Jeanologia are using Denim Halo pre-treatment to create the easy-wash, laser-friendly denim. The innovation is said to “substantially reduce” the environmental impact of denim, while also reducing yarn shrinkage and improving garment tensile strength.
The technology removes the need for manual hand scraping of denim or the use of potassium permanganate spraying, which can be harmful to workers and the environment.
The Contra Denim range was initially launched with a black range but has now been extended to include classic indigo and other colours.
The ContraBlack collection earned a Jeanologia Environmental Impact Measurement of 11 in its stone wash range, compared to an industry-standard score of 67.
“Part of Archroma’s Super Systems+ portfolio of end-to-end solutions, Denim Halo is empowering our partners Kipaş Denim and Jeanologia to deliver denim with measurable environmental impact through the EIM software, as well as the colours and effects that consumers crave,” said Archroma’s market segment director of denim Umberto De Vita.
He continued: “This collaboration is a notable example of our planet-conscious roadmap at work, combining innovation and partnership with a focus on consumers and the environment.”
Kipaş Denim's Mustafa Guleken added: “As Kipaş Holding, our vision is to lead the change towards circular and renewable industries while being a fair and reliable company. We strive to help lead the way to a more sustainable and circular future through research and development in collaboration with fellow industry leaders, like Archroma and Jeanologia. With Contra Denim, we are making it possible for the world’s denim brands to unleash their design creativity without compromising their environmental ambitions or production efficiency.”
In 2023 material science company Recover collaborated with denim manufacturer Evlox and Jeanologia to showcase its new recycled denim capsule collection, Reiconics.
