Indigo is the colour of denim, and making it usually leaves a trace of something nobody wants: aniline. Aniline is a key ingredient in producing the indigo molecule, and some of it stays behind as an impurity in the dyestuff. Archroma estimates that about 300 metric tons of this impurity are discharged every year during denim dyeing. It is toxic to aquatic life, and exposure levels for factory workers can be high.
Archroma's answer was Denisol® Pure Indigo 30 liq, a pre-reduced liquid indigo that is aniline- free. On 22 March 2021, the Swiss chemicals company celebrated nearly three years of working with its "Indigo Heroes": the denim manufacturers that converted their production, or dedicated lines, to aniline-free denim for brands and retailers.
Azgard9 was named among them, alongside Absolute Denim, Advance Denim, Kilim Group, Nuevo Mundo, Rantex, Shasha Denim and Tuong Long. Archroma estimates that, together, its partners have helped remove almost 18 metric tons of aniline from the denim supply chain, protecting both denim workers and the aquatic life in rivers.
Aniline-free indigo fits Azgard9's wider approach to chemistry. Its chemical management system follows the ZDHC Gateway and MRSL, and its advanced chemistries are bluesign® approved or OEKO-TEX® certified.
Key facts
- Date22 March 2021, Archroma announcement
- ProductDenisol® Pure Indigo 30 liq, aniline-free pre-reduced liquid indigo
- Problem addressedabout 300 metric tons of aniline discharged in denim dyeing each year
- Impact so faralmost 18 metric tons of aniline removed from the supply chain
- Other Indigo HeroesAbsolute Denim, Advance Denim, Kilim, Nuevo Mundo, Rantex, Shasha Denim, Tuong Long
Cleaner indigo means safer workplaces and cleaner water, and gives Azgard9's brand partners a classic blue they can stand behind.
