Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, Kipaş Denim, a leader in integrated textile production based in Türkiye, and Jeanologia, a sustainable textile solutions company, are collaborating to pioneer a new denim finishing process for enhanced aesthetic appeal and greater sustainability.

Combining their advanced technologies, the three textile innovators are behind the launch of Kipaş Denim’s new Contra Denim concept – a breakthrough in denim dyeing and finishing that enables brands to create stunning and long-lasting distressed looks and designs effects, including intricate patterns, whiskering and fades, through cleaner processes that save water and energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Denim has traditionally been challenging to produce, especially for black and indigo fabric with a worn or distressed look, requiring significant water usage, harmful chemicals and intensive manual labor. The Contra Denim collection is laser- and laundry-friendly, with colors that are deep and durable. Stunning wash-down vintage effects and high contrasts are achieved via washing or laser techniques.

Contra Denim is based on Archroma’s DENIM HALO, a new approach to denim production that incorporates resource-saving pretreatment that includes DIRSOL RD and dyeing processes to produce easy-wash laser-friendly denim.

“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 colors and effects that consumers crave,” Umberto De Vita, Market Segment Director – Denim, Archroma Textile Effects said. “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.”

Mustafa Guleken, Kipaş Denim, said: “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.”

Fernando Cardona, Brain Box Team Manager, Jeanologia, said: “As a purpose-driven textile technology company, we take pride in working with partners to accompany them through their transformational processes. We are delighted to work with industry leaders such as Archroma and Kipaş Denim, who are at the forefront of responsible denim production.”

Initially producing a ContraBlack Denim collection, Kipaş Denim has now extended the Contra line to classic indigo and other colors from the DIRESUL RDT range.