Use of Natural and Synthetic Materials in Denim Washing Process as an Alternative to Pumice Stone

In this study, the use of synthetic stones and peach kernels in the denim stone washing process instead of pumice stone was investigated. The performance of each alternative was identified with different washing methods, i.e. conventional, low liquor, and spraying methods. The stone washing effects of each alternative were compared. Moreover, energy and water consumption and equivalent carbon dioxide emission of each method were analyzed. The results indicated that although pumice stone led to the best aging effect in the conventional method, synthetic stones and peach kernels showed better performance when the low liquor method was used. Additionally, the energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission of the low liquor method was shown to be lower. Therefore, it was concluded that synthetic stones or peach kernels could be a sustainable alternative to pumice stone and the selection of low liquor method for this application would be advantageous.

Automated summary

This study explored the use of synthetic stones and peach kernels as alternatives to pumice stone in the denim stone washing process. The performance of each alternative was evaluated using different washing methods. The effects of stone washing were compared, as well as the energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission of each method. The results showed that synthetic stones and peach kernels performed better in the low liquor method, with lower energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission. Therefore, it was concluded that these alternatives could be sustainable replacements for pumice stone, especially when combined with the low liquor method.