Kitotex®, Candiani Denim’s patented sizing technology

Kitotex® is Candiani Denim’s patented sizing technology based on a smart, biodegradable, and non-toxic material, chitosan. Chitosan is derived from chitin and replaces PVA, which, when not properly treated, persists in waterways and soil. Plus, it contributes to wastewater purification.

What is PVA?

PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) is a petrol-based, plastic polymer often used to make thin layers of plastic, such as those used to pack food or wrap dishwasher and laundry pods. It is commonly used as a sizing agent after dyeing in the textile industry.

PVA is meant to dissolve in water and biodegrade, but the conditions for its complete biodegradation are extremely specific, and most treatment facilities are not equipped to do that. According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 75% of PVA persists in the environment after being dissolved in laundry and dishwashing machines. The result is that each US citizen eats between 0.101 and 0.549 grams of PVA daily.

PVA is considered a low-hazard substance, but it releases some greenhouse gases into the atmosphere when it breaks down, contributing to climate change.

Chitosan is the eco-friendly alternative to PVA

Kitotex® replaces PVA as a sizing agent with an eco-friendly alternative, chitosan. Chitosan is a bio-based polymer derived from chitin, the world’s most common natural polymer besides cellulose. It is obtained from renewable sources, including insects, crustaceans, algae, and fungi. At Candiani Denim, we use only fungal chitosan from Aspergillus niger. The benefits of chitosan include non-toxicity and biodegradability.

Chitosan is used in many industries, such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biotechnology, primarily for its binding and film-forming properties. In the textile industry, we have a patent for its use in sizing.

Chitosan helps clean wastewater

Unlike PVA, which becomes a pollutant if not properly filtered at wastewater treatment plants, chitosan helps clean wastewater by removing pollutants and heavy metals. Moreover, it breaks down organic matter, reducing the amount of sludge that needs to be removed from sewage, and acts as a coagulant, flocculating suspended particles and making them easier to remove.

Chitosan is bacteriostatic

Chitosan is also bacteriostatic, i.e., it inhibits bacterial growth and reproduction and can disrupt their cell membranes, leading to their death. The binding action helps block the bacteria’s ability to attach to surfaces and form biofilms.

Kitotex® improves color saturation

Finally, Kitotex® has some effects on the aesthetics of our fabrics. It improves color saturation to make them more appealing. After years of fine-tuning the technology, we were able to create a new signature color: K-New, a 100% indigo shade with a light red cast.