Novonesis Targets Lower-Impact Denim Finishing With DeniBrite™ Biobleaching Platform

Novonesis Targets Lower-Impact Denim Finishing With DeniBrite™ Biobleaching Platform

(IN BRIEF) Novonesis has launched DeniBrite™, a consolidated enzymatic biobleaching platform for denim that brings together DeniBrite™ Cold T for bright, contemporary low-temperature bleaching and DeniBrite™ Vintage for authentic vintage finishes and grey-cast effects. The platform is designed to help denim formulators and laundries reduce reliance on conventional bleaching chemistries while maintaining the looks expected by brands and consumers and addressing growing pressure around chemical management, compliance, worker safety and sustainability. Novonesis said the launch responds to ongoing industry challenges highlighted in the Denim Laundry Industry Progress & Insights 2025 report, where 27 percent of finishing processes are still classified as having high chemical impact. As a bluesign System Partner, Novonesis offers DeniBrite™ products that are bluepass certified and available in ZDHC Level 3-compliant formulations, while a screening-level life cycle assessment of DeniBrite™ Cold T showed approximately 40 percent lower global warming potential and 28 percent lower water consumption compared with conventional sodium hypochlorite bleaching under the assessed conditions.

(PRESS RELEASE) COPENHAGEN, 12-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Novonesis has launched DeniBrite™, a consolidated biobleaching platform for denim designed to help formulators and laundries create distinctive denim finishes while balancing creativity, process performance, compliance and sustainability.

The platform brings together Novonesis’ established enzymatic bleaching solutions in one offering, combining proven enzyme technology with verified sustainability documentation.

Denim formulators and laundries are facing increasing pressure to reduce reliance on traditional bleaching chemistries while continuing to deliver the bright contrasts, vintage fades and authentic finishes expected by brands and consumers.

Novonesis said the DeniBrite™ platform is designed to help customers respond to these demands by offering lower-impact alternatives that support chemical management, worker safety and environmental performance.

According to the latest Environmental Impact Measurement data in the Denim Laundry Industry Progress & Insights 2025 report, chemical management remains one of the denim industry’s largest improvement opportunities.

The report found that 27 percent of finishing processes are still classified as having high chemical impact, underlining the need for solutions that can support better environmental and chemical performance across denim production.

Balancing denim performance and sustainability

DeniBrite™ combines two solutions: DeniBrite™ Cold T and DeniBrite™ Vintage.

DeniBrite™ Cold T is designed to support bright, contemporary denim looks through low-temperature bleaching.

DeniBrite™ Vintage is aimed at authentic vintage finishes and grey-cast effects.

Together, the solutions give formulators and laundries more flexibility to meet different brand, fashion and consumer preferences while reducing dependence on conventional bleaching approaches.

Hans Ole Klingenberg, Vice President, Planetary Health Biosolutions at Novonesis, said denim bleaching has traditionally focused on achieving the right look, but today the industry must also demonstrate how that look was created.

He said brands, formulators and laundries increasingly need confidence that bleaching systems can meet evolving expectations around chemical compliance and sustainability.

Klingenberg added that, with DeniBrite™, Novonesis is combining proven enzyme technology with verified sustainability documentation to help customers create authentic denim finishes while preparing for future requirements.

Verified environmental performance

Novonesis is a bluesign System Partner, and DeniBrite™ products are bluepass certified, meaning they are produced through processes that meet bluesign Criteria.

The portfolio is also available in formulations compliant with ZDHC Level 3.

In addition, a screening-level Life Cycle Assessment of DeniBrite™ Cold T showed approximately 40 percent lower global warming potential and 28 percent lower water consumption compared with conventional sodium hypochlorite bleaching under the assessed conditions.

Novonesis said this documented environmental performance can help formulators support discussions with customers and brands.

The company noted that the results are specific to the modelled comparison and should not be interpreted as representative of all formulations, processes or production settings.

DeniBrite™ is available globally through Novonesis and its channel partners.

Through the new platform, Novonesis aims to help formulators and laundries deliver the denim finishes brands want today while preparing for future expectations around compliance, sustainability and lower-impact textile processing.

Media Contact:

Line Emilie Fedders
Senior Media Relations Manager
media-relations@novonesis.com
+45 30 77 13 12

SOURCE: Novonesis