Italy-based G. Tosi S.p.A. — a finisher of 100-percent cotton yarn and knitted fabrics — and the
Netherlands-based Tanatex Chemicals B.V. — a manufacturer of textile pretreatment, dyeing,
printing, coating and finishing chemicals – have co-developed Be Green, a new low-temperature
bleaching process for mercerized cotton.
The process, which allows bleaching at 75°C, is based on a low-temperature peroxide activator
and uses specially selected dispersants and surfactants as well as the bleaching activator. The
activator controls the peroxide decomposition to help shorten the process for achieving the
required whiteness. Tosi reports that the system simplifies the process cycles for mercerized yarn.
Advantages include reduced total time and water consumption, as well as a 50-percent reduction in
carbon dioxide emissions. The process also reduces chemical oxygen demand levels in the effluent by
25 percent. Be Green is suitable for whites to be dyed as well as for full white bleaching
including optical bleaching agents.
October/November/December 2010