A closet without faded denim is unfound, and faded denim is everywhere!

The global market value for producing faded denim is reaching the skies, fading denim is removing indigo from the fabric, and this is an art or a technique, as the demand shows no signs of slowing down. Denim is the most opted fabric for all age groups due to its appearance, comfort, and durability; it’s always a statement of obsession to the fashion industry.

Washing the denim with a particular technique is the most crucial step in creating the final look of the fabric. Denim washing is done to produce effects like colour fading with or without regular or random patches, wrinkled effects, faded vertical lines, softened hand feel, stabilised the size of fabric, etc.

Once the fabric is dyed with indigo, there are several techniques to create a vintage look to the denim fabric. The most straightforward method is rinse wash, which removes the excess indigo from the material. Acid wash is used to create a snow-like whitening look to the fabric. Usually, pumice stones are soaked in acid and used to create this look. Stone wash is preferably used to create a faded effect on the material. Usually, these stones are loaded in specialized fabric washing machines to create a worn look. 

 The conventional way of washing raw denim with a pumice stone (a stone that floats on water and evolves when a volcano erupts explosively) has been used since the mid- ’70s it has considerable drawbacks, particularly reducing fabric durability, increased cost, and environmental pollution which were uncompromisable. The textile industry causes the highest ecological pollutants, and using pumice stone adds to it. The alternative to pumice stone washing became a need.

In the search for a new product with a decade of experience in creating faded denim, the  HMS developed and patented an unbeatable technique for washing raw denim, which is eco-friendly and recyclable.

 

What is HMS?

HMS (Handmade stone) is a composite stone from 100% recyclable products.

This stone is mutually beneficial to both the denim industry and the environment and gives a beautiful vintage look to the fabric, which overrides the alternative.

And also has several listed advantages,

  • The product is recyclable 
  • Minimal product is required and creates no sludge. The residue of HMS is minimal.
  • HMS used pumice dust that usually goes to landfills, preventing continuous use of pumice
  • HMS is nonharmful to the worker’s health.
  • HMS washing requires less water than the conventional washing method.
  • HMS works with Tap- Water. No heating is required.
  • HMS is chemical-free and does not release any microplastics.
  • HMS is fabric-friendly and increases fabric durability.
  • HMS gives a trendy look to the fabric.
  • HMS does not mix with the fabric; instead removes the indigo from the surface, making more safer than the alternative.

A comparative study

Basis Pumice stone washing HMS washing for perfectly faded denim
Mining  Mining pumice affects the environment.  In HMS, this step is entirely skipped.
Transportation Transportation of pumice increases the carbon footprint. HMS is more durable and recyclable, is shipping is reduced by 98%.
Labour cost  High labour cost as the stones need to be removed physically by labours.

The labours require repeated washing and physical removal of the rocks.

HMS has reduced labour costs as the residue is minimal after fabric washing.
Time consumption  Needs more time due to repeated washing. Reduces time as there is no sludge.
Chemical usage  Additional chemicals are required to create the desired look on the fabric. No additional chemical is required. No carbon footprint and no environmental pollution.
Energy usage  Works with hot water  HMS works with cold water. No energy is wasted on water heating.
Fabric durability  Using pumice stone dramatically affects the fabric’s durability, as repeated washing is required to remove stones. HMS does not affect the fabric’s durability, and this method desires to look at the material without causing damage to the fabric.
Earth contamination  Sludges are produced in excess, which goes to the landfills. It is an easily maintained process and does not cause any sludge.
Wastewater system It disturbs the water system as it creates sludges. HMS does not disturb the water system as it does not create sludges.
Water requirement Water is required in bulk as several times of washing is required Less water consumption and eliminates repeated rinsing as it leaves no dust.

Table 1: a brief comparative study of pumice stone versus HMS.

Table 1 provides a very brief comparison of the pumice stone versus the HMS. For more technical details, click here.

HMS is the sustainable alternative to conventional pumice stone wash and contributes to three principles of vision eliminating waste and pollution, keeping product material in use, and regenerating natural systems.

Earth is getting warmer every year. The textile industry worldwide dramatically contributes to environmental pollution due to its different processes involved, like washing, bleaching, dyeing, etc, and has a significant impact on people’s health. The use of pumice stone for fading denim is only adding to it. The excess water released from the textile causes aquatic life toxicity.

  1. HMS helps the fabric in maintaining its durability, as there is no wear and tear or multiple rinses.
  2. HMS creates a beautiful vintage look to the fabric, which is no compromise on the desired faded look of the denim and maintains the texture of the material unless the pumice stone damages the surface of the fabric.
  3. HMS reduces the cost of making the final product by reducing transportation costs, labour costs, and energy saving as it works with cold water.
  4. HMS is environment friendly and reduces the carbon footprint as there is less transportation, and the product is recyclable

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