Officina39 Explores PP Alternatives and Solutions​

​At the recent Kingpins exhibition in Amsterdam, Italian sustainable chemical company Officina39 showcased a series of new solutions to replace highly polluting chemicals. The company also announced new responsible partnerships with several forward-thinking collaborators, aiming to encourage more sustainable industry practices while maintaining cost efficiency.

For years, potassium permanganate (PP) has been widely used in denim finishing due to its low cost and ability to create unique vintage fading effects. However, its high toxicity poses significant risks to worker health and the environment. In response, Officina39 introduced the ​​Zero PP Solution​​, an innovative process package specifically designed to eliminate potassium permanganate.

Zero PP offers an eco-friendly and safe alternative that achieves visual effects similar to traditional PP while maintaining production efficiency and economic feasibility. Officina39 has deepened collaborations with partners who share its sustainability vision to further reduce the industry's environmental impact.

One notable partnership is with Amsterdam's iconic denim fashion store ​​Tenue de Nimes​​. The brand's 2024/2025 autumn/winter collection of T-shirts and hoodies will use Officina39's ​​Recycrom Ready to Dye​​ pigments, made from recycled clothing and production waste fibers. This collaboration makes Tenue de Nimes the first brand to fully commit to Recycrom for all its T-shirt production, setting a new benchmark for sustainable dyeing processes.

Officina39 also supported the second installment of the ​​"Sake 2024 Art Project"​​, initiated by Endrime in collaboration with Tonello and former Levi's veteran Matt Duckett. The project explores creative denim decoration techniques using sustainable methods.

Another highlight is the partnership with Swedish odor-control technology company ​​Polygiene​​, which specializes in keeping products fresh longer. In this collaboration, Polygiene combined its Stay Fresh technology with Recycrom to create garments that require less washing and retain vibrant colors longer, merging fashion with functionality.

Additionally, Officina39 joined forces with garment manufacturer ​​Pioneer Denim​​ and industrial technology company ​​Tonello​​ to launch a collaborative series focused on clean production processes and circular fashion. They implemented ​​Aqualess All-in-One​​ technology-a water-free enzymatic process that replicates stone-washing effects without pumice-and introduced the new ​​Novapret Block & Fix​​ technology.

This multifunctional compound acts as both a color fixative and a "color blocker," enabling unique localized color preservation for creative denim effects.

Through these eco-friendly technologies and partnerships, Officina39 continues to lead the denim industry in material innovation, production methods, and ecological responsibility, driving the sector toward a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable future.

At Kingpins Amsterdam, Officina39 once again demonstrated its foresight and innovation in sustainable denim finishing. From advancing the Zero PP initiative to deep collaborations with Tenue de Nimes, Polygiene, and Pioneer Denim, these projects showcase the practical potential of chemical innovation in fashion while providing viable green alternatives. The expansion of Recycrom technology transforms textile waste into reusable dyes, giving new life to discarded materials and advancing closed-loop production. Meanwhile, the partnership with Polygiene extends garment longevity by reducing wash frequency, balancing sustainability with user experience.

This comprehensive approach proves that style and sustainability can coexist, setting a new standard for responsible denim production.