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The Latest Denim Industry Developments on Sustainable Processes and Products. In concert with the denim industry's growing demand for eco-responsible alternatives, Lenzing has pioneered Indigo Color technology that incor- porates indigo pigment directly into Tencel branded modal fibers using a one-step spun-dyeing pro- cess. This delivers superior color fastness relative to conventional indigo dyeing while using sub- stantially fewer resources. The offering achieves the EU Ecolabel for meeting high environmental standards. " B y u p e n d i n g t r a d i t i o n a l manufacturing processes and implementing our pioneering technology along with renewable and eco-responsible materials, Tencel modal with Indigo Color technology sets a new benchmark for indigo application and sustain- ability in the denim industry," says Florian Heubrandner, VP global textiles business at Lenzing AG. Among early launch collaborators is House of Gold, which will launch the 'Seed of Joy' concept capsule with woven, circular and sweater knit fabrics using Tencel Modal with Indigo Color technology, in partnership with mills such as Blue Diamond and In The Loop, as well as machinery producer Shima Seiki. Indigo Color technology elevates production standards and signifi- cantly reduces waste. A specially commissioned indigo pigment from dyestuff manufacturer DyStar, ensures that Tencel Modal with Indigo Color technology can be certified with Standard 100 by Oeko- Tex, guaranteeing ultra-low levels of aniline. Tencel Modal fibers with Indigo Color technology are inherently versatile and enable implementa- tion in a range of multi-fiber blends. To make the commercial launch possible, Lenzing has partnered with leading supply chain partners including denim mills Candiani. l Officina+39, an established Italian company with expertise in research and chemical application in the tex- tile sector, has recently introduced Aqualess Mission, developed to significantly reduce water usage in the supply chain. Featuring three products for one innovative process, the technology achieves significant water savings compared to the amount of water typically used in denim and garment laundry processes. These product components include: REMOVER BC, a laser booster, AQUALESS AGED, a waterless compound to give denim abrasion effects and OZ-ONE POWDER, an advanced product to give garments a bleached yet eco-friendly treatment, for a worn and distressed look. REMOVER BC is a special com- pound that increases laser effect on indigo or dischargeable dyestuff, saving time and energy for swift production. Due to the speedy pro- cess it also prevents fabric tearing whilst focusing on giving a used look. AQUALESS AGED gives abrasion effects on denim. This waterless treatment has a reduced impact on the environment and can be applied in combination with Oz-One powder both on black and indigo denim. OZ-ONE POWDER is a sus- tainable (chlorine and potassium permanganate free) way to give denim that distressed and worn look, with no need of water or high temperatures. l IN THE MARKET | ECO UPDATE DENIM Tencel Unveils Indigo Color Tech Officina+39 Takes Planet Positive Approach 8 • Textile Insight ~ March/April 2021 textileinsight.com Animated video explains Lenzing's eco processing. Lenzing's resource saving. Jeans featuring Aqualess technology.