Officina39 has been on an “aqualess mission” to reduce denim’s impact on water resources with technologies like Oz-One Powder and Aqualess Aged. Now, the Italian chemical supplier is turning its attention to eradicate potassium permanganate (PP) from the denim and fashion industry, despite numerous attempts by others in the past.
Though there are efforts by chemical and technology companies to replace the harmful substance, Andrea Venier, Officina39’s managing director, said is still widely used in the denim and fashion industry to obtain faded and discharged fabric effects.
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Studying the current situation in further detail, the Officina39 R&D team worked toward changing the paradigms and making a more affordable PP replacement as fading effects require a more specific and cost-effective solution. As a result of this research, Officina39 is launching Zero PP, a full package of solutions to replace PP, finding balance between effects, productivity and cost.
“Potassium Permanganate is particularly dangerous to the environment due to its high fish toxicity, but it is used to obtain a worn look at an optimal cut-rate,” Venier said. “For new technologies, replacing potassium permanganate in the market has been one of the main challenges.”
Officina39 initially faced similar challenges when it introduced Recycrom, a range of recycled dyes, to the market in 2015. However, the product began to gain traction as brands made commitments to circularity.
A decade later, Officina39 is enhancing Recycrom with added benefits. The company has joined forces with Polygiene to develop an odor management solution in combination with Recycrom recycled dyes.
“We have combined, in a one-step process, our Recycrom RTD, vibrant and sustainable colors made from pre- and post-consumer recycled textile materials, with Polygiene StayFresh technology to ensure a long-term fresh hand feel,” Venier said. “So, we have simplified production, reducing CO² emissions, saving resources and extending product life.”
The new products are part of Officina39’s Trustainable mission.
“Fashion trends should respond to soft/fresh, technical and urban market requests. That’s why we’re keeping our Trustainable mission at the base of our offers for next Spring/Summer 2026,” Venier said. “The cutting-edge Trustainable products are specifically developed to reduce the use of energy and hazardous chemicals while increasing water conservation. We are adding more technology to our proposal, without sacrificing the environment.”
