KITOTEX®: How Candiani’s Innovative Technology is Saving Water

The fashion and textile industries drastically need to find cleaner ways to produce their garments by reducing their water consumption. Being an extremely thirsty business, textile production uses up to 93 billion cubic meters of water every year, which is the equivalent of 37 million Olympic swimming pools. As a result, water consumption is especially felt in dry regions where production takes place. These communities feel the impact, where there are issues surrounding access to water and sanitation. Due to clothes manufacturing, pollution of waterways is another major concern. Dyeing and finishing processes cause up to 20% of global wastewater, not to mention the use of chemicals in textile production can also affect local drinking water. [Fashion brands](and manufacturing companies are setting specific targets to improve how they manage their water use. In order to do their part in achieving their sustainability goals, brands and retailers must focus specifically on improving water quality, water-use efficiency, and the protection of water-related ecosystems. About Candiani  This is where Italian denim mill Candiani steps in. Currently leading in responsible [denim] production, Caniani Denim was founded in a tiny town outside Milano in 1938 and has been a family-run company ever since. With 75 years of experience in the industry, the company has grown to become one of the most sustainable denim mills, producing fabrics of premium quality. Firmly believing in the values of sustainability and innovation, Candiani's principles are deeply woven into the fabric they produce. Leading by example with their cutting-edge innovations, its fabrics have been used by high-end names such as Hugo Boss and Stella McCartney. Candiani has wowed in particular for its heavy investment into sustainable innovation. In 2018, the brand launched "Re-Gen', a denim fabric made from regenerated and recycled materials. The jeans were made using 50% Tencel™ Refibra, 50% recycled [cotton], completely omitting the use of virgin cotton. Kitotex® Vegetal Then came Candiani's next groundbreaking innovation: Kitotex®. Dramatically reducing consumption of water, energy (CO²), and chemicals in the fabric production process, Kitotex® refers to a technology owned by Canepa Spa. Candiani obtained the license to use the technology for their denim fabric production, in addition to the registered trademarks. This innovative technology represents a revolutionizing opportunity for the textile industry, specifically in textile finishing. By producing a polymer that is obtained by recycling the exoskeleton of shrimp, this technology allows for a reduction of 30% less energy, 50% less water, and 70% fewer chemicals in the dyeing process. In addition, the process also minimizes the use of toxic agents such as detergents, whiteners, and other chemicals that are harmful to both consumers and the environment. This advanced technique from Candiani Denim presents the opportunity to fully replace PVA and pollutants. The substance known as chitosan that is obtained from the waste by-product is completely biodegradable and reinforces the yarn, resulting in a significant benefit to the environment. The patent technology has transformed the entire process of yarn fabric production by implementing chitosan across the whole production chain. Moving forward as part of the sustainable movement, Candinia is creating significant improvements for both end-of-life products and traditional finishing processes. What are the Advantages? Besides the benefits of saving water and energy and the elimination of toxic chemicals within textile production, but there are benefits to the health of consumers. The Kitotex® yarn contains bacteriostatic properties which prevent the proliferation of bacteria, thanks to the anti-static and anti-mite characteristics of chitosan.\ Textiles that employ the use of this technology are permitted to carry the Kitotex® trademark which is produced in accordance with the Greenpeace DETOX protocol. The results noted in regard to water consumption are certified by the CNR and INRIM, guaranteeing the high quality necessary for a cleaner and safer environment.