Officina39 is addressing the denim industry’s persistent use of potassium permanganate in denim finishing despite its known toxicity and environmental risks.
The Italian chemical company is rolling out ZeroPP|ALL.IN, a single product replacement of potassium permanganate, following the success of several industrial-scale trials. The innovation was previewed earlier this year at industry events like Kingpins Amsterdam and Denim Première Vision.
Officina39 said the product is a cost-effective and feasible solution for brands and laundries aiming to transition away from hazardous legacy practices.
Related Stories
A recent report from Environmental Impact Measuring (EIM), the self-accreditation tool that measures garment finishing processes’ environmental impact, urged manufacturers to eliminate potassium permanganate from their production. Additionally, a 2024 report from Clean Clothes Campaign Turkey highlighted the harmful effects it has on worker health and the environment.
ZeroPP|ALL.IN delivers the same worn, vintage effects that potassium permanganate is widely used for through a simple four-step workflow. The innovative product replaces potassium permanganate at the beginning of the process and can be applied directly to raw garments.
“ZeroPP|ALL.IN represents the fulfillment of a path we began years ago. Through continuous refinement, real-world testing, and feedback from our customers and partners, we’ve achieved a true turning point,” said Andrea Venier, Officina39 managing director.
The product is applied directly onto raw denim garments through spray or nebulization application. Laser finishing is performed immediately after the product is applied to define graphics or wear patterns. A dry ozone treatment is executed immediately after laser without rinsing. Officina39 said ozone reacts with laser-marked areas to replicate the typical indigo corrosion of potassium permanganate. Final washes and finishing are applied after ozone.
“The result is a streamlined, single-product process applied directly to raw garments, finally making the full replacement of potassium permanganate both sustainable and industrially viable,” Venier added.
