Use of Natural and Synthetic Materials in Denim Washing Process as an Alternative to Pumice Stone

In this study, the use of synthetic stones and peach kernels in the denim stone washing process instead of pumice stone was investigated. The performance of each alternative was identified with different washing methods, i.e. conventional, low liquor, and spraying methods. The stone washing effects of each alternative were compared. Moreover, energy and water consumption and equivalent carbon dioxide emission of each method were analyzed. The results indicated that although pumice stone led to the best aging effect in the conventional method, synthetic stones and peach kernels showed better performance when the low liquor method was used. Additionally, the energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission of the low liquor method was shown to be lower. Therefore, it was concluded that synthetic stones or peach kernels could be a sustainable alternative to pumice stone and the selection of low liquor method for this application would be advantageous.