Ask any denim laundry manager, and they’ll tell you: pumice stones are messy, heavy, and expensive to clean up after. It uses a lot of water, damages machines, and harms the environment. But what if there was a better way to get that classic fade? Eco stone is changing the game quietly, cleanly, and sustainably.
Eco Stone is a new kind of stone made from recycled materials. It’s better for the environment and lasts much longer. One popular type is called HMS (Hand Made Stone). Many denim factories are switching to it. Let’s understand this better.
What is Eco Stone?
Eco stone is a man-made stone used for washing denim. Unlike natural pumice, which is mined from the earth, eco stone is made using recycled pumice dust and special binders. It looks and feels like a regular stone but is designed to be safer, cleaner, and longer-lasting.
It has been created because pumice has too many problems—messy, heavy, and not sustainable. Eco stone gives you the same wash results, without the waste.
How Does Eco Stone Work?
When you do a stone wash, the fabric rubs against the stone inside a big machine. This rubbing removes some color and gives denim a faded, natural look.
With Eco Stone:
- The abrasion is still strong, just like pumice.
- But it doesn’t break down quickly or turn into dust.
- It doesn’t absorb water, so you need less water per cycle.
- You also don’t get heavy sludge at the end, so cleaning the machine is easier.
Factories can use eco stones with enzymes too. It doesn’t block the action of enzymes, which makes denim even softer and faded.
Why Do Denim Makers Like Eco Stone?
1. It saves water and energy
Because Eco Stone doesn’t soak up water, you can reduce water use in each wash. You also don’t need to rinse as much, so you save electricity too.
2. It lasts much longer
While regular pumice can only be used once or twice, eco stones (like HMS) can last for 60 to 100 wash cycles. That means you don’t have to replace it all the time.
3. It gives better, more even results
Eco stones are designed to wear denim evenly. You get the same fade effect across all jeans in the batch. This is hard to do with pumice because the stones break differently.
4. It saves storage and shipping space
You need fewer eco stones than pumice for the same number of garments. That means lower transport costs and less space used in your warehouse.
5. It’s eco-friendly
Eco stones are made from recycled material and do not cause mining damage. They are also safer for water treatment and meet many global standards. For example, HMS has a green EIM score.
Eco Stone vs. Pumice: What’s the Difference?
Let’s compare both:
|
Feature |
Pumice Stone | Eco Stone (like HMS) |
|
Water used |
High | Low |
|
Reusability |
1–2 washes only |
60–100 washes |
|
Sludge after wash |
A lot |
Hardly any |
|
Weight & volume |
Heavy and bulky |
Lighter, needs less space |
| Environmental impact |
Mining, non-recyclable |
Made from recycled dust |
Eco stone clearly wins. It’s cleaner, lasts longer, and saves money in the long run.
What is HMS (Hand Made Stone)?
HMS is a hand-crafted Eco Stone made by a company in Turkey called Baytech. It’s made from pumice dust and other natural materials, mixed and shaped by hand. This gives it a consistent shape and texture.
There are different types of HMS for different needs:
- HMS Original – for regular denim
- HMS Light – for delicate fabrics
- HMS Designer Pen & HMS Moon – for small details or hand effects (DIY denim design)
HMS gives even wear, soft fading, and doesn’t harm fabrics. It’s also registered with global safety programs like EIM and ZDHC.
How to Start Using Eco Stone in Your Factory?
Switching to Eco Stone is easy. Here’s what you can do:
Step 1: Test First
Try eco stone in a small batch. Compare it with pumice and see the difference in fading, water use, and fabric feel.
Step 2: Adjust Your Settings
You may need to change drum speed, water levels, or cycle times. Since eco stone doesn’t absorb water, your machine may run more efficiently.
Step 3: Plan Maintenance
Because eco stone lasts long, you won’t need to refill it often. But it’s still good to track how fast it wears down.
Step 4: Update Rinse and Filter Systems
You’ll notice less dust and sludge, so you might be able to reduce rinse cycles or clean your filters less often.
Step 5: Show Off Your Savings
Keep a record of how much water, energy, and cost you save. Buyers and brands are looking for sustainable partners, and this gives you an advantage.
Learn How to Compare HMS & Pumice Stones
Conclusion
Eco stone is the future of denim washing. It gives great results, is better for the planet, and saves money over time. If you’re tired of dealing with dusty pumice, heavy bags, and frequent refills, it might be time to switch.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an eco stone?
Eco stone is a man-made washing stone for denim. It’s made from recycled pumice dust and binders instead of mined pumice. It gives the same faded, worn look but uses less water, makes less waste, and lasts many more wash cycles.
2. What is the most sustainable stone?
The most sustainable option today is HMS (Hand Made Stone). Because it’s made from recycled materials, uses less water, and creates almost no sludge, it has a much smaller environmental footprint than natural pumice.
3. How long does an eco stone last compared to pumice?
A typical eco stone, such as HMS, can be used for 60–100 wash cycles. Natural pumice usually breaks down after just 1–2 uses. This longer life means you replace stones far less often, save money, and cut waste.
4. Can an eco stone be used with enzyme washes?
Yes. Eco stone works well alongside enzymes. Because it sheds almost no dust and doesn’t absorb water, enzymes stay active and give an even softer, more natural fade without interference.
5. How do I switch from pumice to eco stones?
Start with a small test batch comparing your usual pumice wash to eco stones. Adjust water levels and cycle time. These often need less water and shorter cycles. Track stone wear and rinse debris, then scale up once you’re happy with the results.