Cellulases were only meant for indigo dyed fabric denim processing. But in recent times the application of cellulase has transcended to other fabrics as well like biopolishing on cotton trousers, worn out look on canvas and overdye twills etc.

Today we can say that cellulases are the backbone of wet processing industry. Lot of technological upgradation is being happening on cellulases to make it more flexible in application and to provide innovative finishes.

We all know that cellulases are ph and temperature sensitive and thus optimal performance can be achieved only in limited range of ph/temperature thus optimal performance can be achieved in limited range of ph / temperature. The other characteristic feature is loss of colour from cotton trousers and back staining problem in denims.

With the help of genetic engineering enzymologists have formulated a “cellulase” which is free from the basic disadvantages of its category. This innovative product category is Cold Water Enzyme Buffered Neutral Cellulases. The salient features and their advantages in garment wet processing are really remarkable.

This enzyme can work in cool water (±25°C) conditions thus reducing the energy cost. Moreover flexibility has been provided by increasing the working temperature range from 25°C - 55°C. Thus with the same enzyme different types of looks and effects can be provided on to the garments by varying temperature conditions.

It works at an optimal ph of 6.5, being buffered, the fluctuation in ph of bath during processing is ruled out. Thus producing consistent results with efficient usage of cellulases. This product reduces the back staining level significantly because of its specific operating conditions. With this cold water enzyme back staining is a thing of past as this can work at a low temperature (25°C – 40°C) and high ph (6.5).

Cold water enzyme can be used to generate “Dark Wash / Deep Blue Denim / Rinse Wash” on denims. These finishes are in vogue because of proprietary formulation. It has also reduced the indigo bleeding significantly and thus the final finish has that initial look or raw denim look very well maintained on to the garment.

This advantage can be used on cotton trousers as well to provide a clean trouser look as the fashion is moving towards more formal and rich look on to the garments. The other advantage in terms of industry application is use of “Cool Water” enzyme on lycra based denims / trousers. Since temperature is always a bottleneck in processing of silk garments, this innovative product can be of great help in such garment types.

Last but not least, it has least tensil loss compared to other products in its category. This property makes it even more versatile in terms of use on different fabrics ranging from viscose, linen, light ounce cotton fabrics, denims etc.

It can be concluded that winter is in and even cellulases have nicely adapted to cool conditions.

Team S&A