Those finishers who are ignorant about this phenomenon choose softeners based on 'hand' feel alone and thus may compromise on yellowing.

After listening to the story, we at Sarex decided to help Jack and Jill to overcome the yellowing of denims without compromising softness or yellowing. We took desized, medium and fully bleached denim garment and subjected them to a softening treatment with Sarasoft- OZ (Conc) in a drum washer at 40^o 45^o C for 20-30 minutes; ph 4-5 with acetic acid, MLR 1:10. This was followed by hydroextraction and then tumble drying.

The treated and untreated garments were then tested for Ozone fading by the AATCC 109 Test Method for 2 cycles and the following results were obtained.

As shown above, the garment treated with SarasoftOZ (Conc) gives an increase in Ozone Fade Rating by 1 to 1 units, which is the internationally accepted norm by garment merchandisers.

Apart from selection of a suitable softener, SarasoftOZ (Conc), the following measures will also prevent destruction of indigo.

1. Prevent back-staining during desizing, biofading or stone washing. Loose indigo on undyed weft is prone to yellowing.
2. Proper rinsing before finishing to eliminate residues of surface-active agents and other chemicals, which will interfere in the protective action.
3. Removal of Mn+2 residues by treatment with Saraquest-W or suitable sequestering agent if potassium permanganate is used for fading.
4. Avoiding softeners/finishing chemicals that accelerate indigo decomposition. Initial screening in laboratory is recommended.
5. Dry the garments as quickly as possible, as wet garments are more prone to yellowing.
6. Use suitable packing material to avoid phenolic yellowing. Avoid packing materials containing BHT (Butylated Hydroxy Toluene).
7. Avoid exposure of garments to light and atmospheric ozone and NOx.
8. Have proper ventilation in store rooms to avoid buildup of NOx. Avoid fuel-based trucks and forklifts. Instead, use electrically operated vehicles to avoid build-up of exhaust fumes in warehouses.
9. Avoid storing and display in highly polluted areas having higher photochemical smog.

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