DENIM HALO sets a new benchmark for sustainable, high-contrast denim production
Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has received the 2025 Sustainability & Innovation Award from the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) for its pioneering DENIM HALO technology. The innovative pretreatment and dyeing process offers mills and brands a simplified way to achieve fashionable distressed denim looks while drastically reducing environmental impact.
“Archroma believes in challenging the status quo. Under our planet-conscious roadmap, we pursue solutions that advance sustainability while nurturing creativity and profitability,” said Dhirendra Gautam, Vice President Commercial, Archroma. “DENIM HALO exemplifies this philosophy, and we’re honored by ITMF’s recognition. With our global mill partners, we’re proving that sustainability and performance are not trade-offs—they represent the same goal.”
Transforming Traditional Denim Production
Distressed denim continues to dominate consumer demand, yet the production process remains resource-intensive and environmentally challenging. Conventional techniques rely on manual scraping, potassium permanganate sprays, or stone-washing—methods that consume high levels of water and energy while posing risks to workers and the environment.
Archroma’s DENIM HALO replaces these processes with a new generation of chemistry. At its core is DIRSOL® RD, a patented, viscosity-modifying pretreatment that enables superficial dyeing and enhances contrast for laser etching. This innovation significantly reduces water, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions during processing and wash-off.
A Smarter Chemistry for Sustainable Style
DENIM HALO combines DIRSOL® RD with customized Archroma dye systems tailored to mill requirements:
- DENISOL® pre-reduced indigo dyes, including an aniline-free option;
- DIRESUL® pre-reduced sulfur dyes, featuring an energy-saving black formulation; and
- EarthColors®, biosynthetic dyes made from agricultural waste for natural earth tones.
According to Archroma’s ONE WAY Impact Calculator, the technology delivers measurable gains:
- Water savings: 40–56%
- Energy reduction: 30–36%
- CO₂ emissions cut: 33–34%
All processes meet ZDHC Level 3 MRSL compliance, ensuring the highest environmental standards.
Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Performance
The benefits of DENIM HALO extend well beyond sustainability. Mills can achieve high-contrast, distressed finishes without altering existing dye recipes or equipment setups. By removing potassium permanganate and manual abrasion, the process improves worker safety and simplifies washdown operations.
Technical advantages include less yarn shrinkage, enhanced tensile strength, and reduced chemical consumption, especially in black denim production. Additionally, it minimizes caustic soda use during sulfur mercerizing, further reducing chemical load.
Recognized Industry Leadership
The ITMF Awards honor outstanding achievements in Sustainability & Innovation and International Cooperation. This year’s winners were announced at the ITMF Annual Conference in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from October 24–25, 2025.