Kipaş Denim has introduced Contra Denim-a new fabric collection designed to be more compatible with sustainable finishing technologies. This laser- and laundry-friendly range achieves vintage effects and high contrast on denims while minimising environmental impact.

Developed in collaboration with chemical company Archroma, Contra Denim utilizes Archroma’s Denim Halo approach, which incorporates resource-saving pretreatment and dyeing processes to make fabrics easier to wash and laser. The Denim Halo method includes Dirso lRD, a pretreatment applied to dry denim yarn in the first box of the dyeing machine, explained Umberto De Vita, Archroma’s market segment director for denim.

Launched earlier this year, Archroma’s Denim Halo platform significantly reduces the environmental footprint of traditional denim finishing. It also reduces yarn shrinkage and improves garment tensile strength. Denim Halo technologies feature Denisol Pure Indigo 30 LIQ, Diresul Smart denim Blue, and Diresul Evolution Black.

Contra Denim’s vintage aesthetics are achieved using laser marking technology from Spanish firm Jeanologia, eliminating the need for harmful manual processes like hand scraping and potassium permanganate spraying. The collection is available in black and indigo. The Contra Black range earned a low Jeanologia Environmental Impact Measurement (EIM) score of 11 on stone washing, compared to the market standard of 67, highlighting its reduced water and energy consumption, lower chemical impact, and improved worker safety.