Advance Denim launches BioBlue Indigo as an eco-friendly dyeing alternative

The conventional indigo dyeing method has a lot of space for improvement, particularly considering how much chemicals, water, and energy are used to infuse yarns with the pigment. Some of the chemicals used in the procedure, such as sodium hydrosulfite, are even toxic to health and the environment.

Advance Denim, one of the oldest denim mill in China is launching BioBlue Indigo, the newest dyeing innovation, as part of its commitment to manufacturing sustainable denim in the safest possible way. Advance Denim is also the only denim mill that uses this process, thanks to a new exclusive agreement with BioBlue’s chemical supplier.

BioBlue is a ground-breaking indigo dye method that uses no sodium hydrosulfite to change indigo dyes from powder form to liquid form, making the dyestuff soluble in water and improving the surface appearance of indigo-dyed yarn. After dyeing, BioBlue employs proprietary FDA-approved chemistry to reduce hazardous chemical values in wastewater.

A reducing agent used in the conventional indigo dyeing procedure, sodium hydrosulfite, can make indigo dye soluble in water and enhance the appearance of indigo-dyed yarn. However, though sodium hydrosulfite is a very efficient and strong chemical that converts indigo into a dye-friendly form—it has dominated industrial dye production since the invention of synthetic indigo but it is not an environmentally friendly chemical.

Sodium hydrosulfite has very high salt content, as its name implies, and salt is notoriously difficult to extract from wastewater. Its high sulfate content accumulates in drainage, causing toxic gas emissions. Not only is sodium hydrosulfite bad for the atmosphere, but it’s still a highly unstable flammable substance that’s unsafe to transport. BioBlue is intended to be a stable, clean, and environmentally friendly alternative to sodium hydrosulfite.

Advance Denim’s most recent investment in achieving its sustainability goals is the BioBlue release. The corporation has made significant progress over the last decade, reducing energy usage per yard of fiber by 42% since 2013. As part of the transition to more efficient infrastructure, Advance Denim implemented energy-saving system replacements and facility improvements.

The denim manufacturer has invested in a new reverse osmosis recycling system that cut water usage by 58% and will be able to recycle 100% of wastewater in the denim finishing process.

Advance Denim will continue to invest in sustainable and renewable technologies that will transform the way it manufactures denim, with BioBlue being the most recent addition to its Shunde, China, and Advance Sico facilities in Nha Trang, Vietnam production facilities. By 2023, 90%  of all fibers used in manufacturing would be sustainable, according to the manufacturer.

Advance Denim joined the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol in March 2021, making it the company’s most recent sustainability campaign. As a participant, Advance Denim will now assure its consumers that the cotton in its manufacturing blend comes from the United States.