A newly developed enzyme technology for more

efficient
dyeing,
printing
&
finishing-Gentle
bleaching
A newly developed enzyme technology has been successfully initiated that provides
an improved & sustainable bleaching process. Gentle Power Bleach system is said to
be the latest innovative pre-treatment process. Enzyme-based peroxide bleaching
process allows low-temperature bleaching of textiles at a neutral pH range. By
avoiding use of harsh chemicals & achieving its potential at low treatment
temperatures, process meets goal for environmentally friendly products & processes.
This new system excels in its capability to process textiles more sustainably than
conventional bleaching systems while delivering textile fabrics with enhanced quality.
Switzerland-based Huntsman Textile Effects is constantly developing new platforms to
improve fabric performance & reduce energy & water consumption in textile industry.
Palo Alto, Calif.-based Genencor, a division of Denmark-based Danisco A/S, focuses on
discovering, developing & delivering highly innovative, eco-friendly, efficient enzyme
technologies. Both companies see this new process as a contribution to a more
sustainable textile industry.

Perfect preparation
New gentle bleaching process is truly innovative. Traditional bleaching requires a high
water temperature, while new gentle bleaching takes place at a low temperature of
65C & almost neutral pH conditions, making it especially suitable for all delicate
fibres that are temperature & pH-sensitive. Even after bleaching under these gentler
conditions, cotton is perfectly prepared for dyeing all shades.
By applying the latest enzyme technology as a core component of solution, it is now
possible under these mild conditions to prepare cotton with very good results for
dyeing. On regenerated cellulosic fibres, excellent full white levels can be obtained as
well. One recipe is enough for all fibres sensitive to temperature & pH. A multitude of
fibres can be treated, including regenerated cellulosic fibres such as viscose,
MicroModal, lyocell, bamboo & blends with cotton, elastane, acetate, acrylic, silk &
wool. Similar bleaching recipes for all fibres & blends result in simple recipe
management & reduced sources of errors.
Although technology is completely new, process flow remains similar to current Smart
Prep pre-treatment system. Process is applicable on all closed discontinuous
equipment such as jets, jiggers, overflow & cheese dyeing machines. A liquid system
is offered that is suitable for automatic dosing systems.

A newly developed enzyme technology for more efficient dyeing, printing & finishing-Gentle
bleaching Page 1 of 3
Compiled by: M. Rezaul Karim Tutul

Gentle Power Bleach enzyme-based peroxide bleaching process requires a water

temperature of only 65C for bleaching & fewer rinsing cycles than traditional
bleaching systems

Soft hand
In case of cotton, fabrics pre-treated with new bleaching technology are said to have a
superior hand compared to that of conventionally bleached goods. Main
characteristics are:
Very soft, bulky and natural hand;
Fast and permanent effect;
Excellent crease recovery properties;
Improved needle resistance, or sewability, and stretch; and
Very durable elastane properties.
Very mild process conditions also should ensure maximum strength of textile material,
with the lowest degree of chemical damage on cotton compared to goods processed
using traditional bleaching methods.

Improved colour yield

Optimal bleaching is a prerequisite for true colours. Compared with traditional
bleaching systems, Gentle Power Bleach system brings following advantages to
subsequent dyeing process:
Better colour yield with more vivid & intense shades that have excellent
fastness properties;
Brighter shades;
Possible cost savings in dyeing process; &
Improved wash-, water- & rubbing-fastness properties.

Energy Savings ...

Energy consumption savings by almost half are possible owing to considerably lower
treatment & rinsing temperatures compared to conventional bleaching systems. No
neutralization is required, & at least one or two rinsing baths can be omitted, leading
to a substantial reduction in water usage.
When treating cotton, savings over traditional bleaching are attainable thanks to fact
that weight loss is reduced considerably. As material remains naturally soft & bulky,
possible savings in softening may be obtained, & previously unattained softness levels
may be realized.
New bleaching process further enables improvements in right-first-time production,
reducing costly re-works & second-quality products, & offering following:
A newly developed enzyme technology for more efficient dyeing, printing & finishing-Gentle
bleaching Page 2 of 3
Compiled by: M. Rezaul Karim Tutul

 Improved reproducibility in reactive dyeing by avoiding risk of excessive

residual alkalinity at beginning of dyeing cycle;
Reduced swelling of natural fibre & avoidance of a channeling effect in yarn
cheese/package dyeing machines, leading to more uniform results; and
Reduced risk of crease marking in piece-goods and garment processing.

... And Water Savings

Primarily, reduced use of water & energy makes this process environmentally friendly.
By lowering treatment temperature from boiling down to 65C, new bleaching
technology is said to be unique in field of energy reduction. Even rinsing is conducted
below this temperature. Additionally, effluent salt load is reduced by eliminating harsh
chemicals such as caustic soda. All auxiliaries used exhibit excellent bio-elimination, &
are free of alkyl-phenol ethoxylates & adsorbable organic halogen. In case of cotton,
reduced weight loss leads to a considerable reduction of both biochemical oxygen &
chemical oxygen demand in wastewater stream. Enzyme-based peroxide bleaching
technology is a way forward. It can help textile industry make better use of scarce
natural resources & contribute to a more sustainable environment - also for future
generations.

A newly developed enzyme technology for more efficient dyeing, printing & finishing-Gentle
bleaching Page 3 of 3
Compiled by: M. Rezaul Karim Tutul