Archroma and Fibre52® partner globally to deliver a low-impact bleaching-and-dyeing system that cuts resource use, boosts performance, and advances textile sustainability.
Archroma, a prominent global provider of specialty chemicals with a strong focus on sustainable solutions, has entered into an exclusive worldwide distribution partnership with Innovo Fiber LLC, the company behind the patented Fibre52® technology. This collaboration aims to significantly broaden access to Fibre52®’s low-temperature, neutral-pH bleaching process for cotton and cotton/polyester textiles. The system, already recognized for its proven performance, is now set to reach textile mills and international brands on a much larger scale through Archroma’s global network.
A key strength of this partnership is the enhanced sustainability profile created when the Fibre52® process is paired with Archroma’s AVITERA® SE reactive dye range. Together, the two technologies form an integrated pretreatment and dyeing solution designed to dramatically reduce resource consumption. Mills adopting this combined system can cut both water use and CO2 emissions by as much as 50%, helping brands move closer to ambitious carbon-reduction and sustainability goals while maintaining high product quality.
Under the distribution agreement, Archroma will embed the Fibre52® system into its extensive technical and sales infrastructure worldwide. This gives mills broader access to a bleaching and dyeing solution that aligns with stringent industry standards, including ZDHC MRSL v3.1 and OEKO-TEX® approvals. The partnership represents a major step toward transforming cotton and cellulose-based fabric processing into a low-impact, high-performance operation.
Fibre52® introduces a groundbreaking alternative to conventional high-temperature caustic bleaching. Instead of harsh chemicals and energy-intensive processing, the technology relies on a gentle, low-temperature method that maintains the cotton fiber’s natural wax layer. This preservation results in fibers that are stronger, softer, and more durable. The process also reduces weight loss during treatment by 2–4%, lowers energy and water consumption, and minimizes reliance on added softeners since the natural hand feel of cotton is retained.
The system has already been implemented by several mills across different global regions with consistent success. It performs reliably on all color shades—including bright whites—and shows exceptional efficiency with cotton/polyester blends by reducing time and water demand. When integrated with Archroma’s AVITERA® SE dyes, the process enhances color depth, dye uptake, and overall resource efficiency, offering a next-generation path to sustainable textile manufacturing.
Designed with versatility in mind, Fibre52® works across a wide range of modern bleaching and dyeing platforms. It is optimized for cotton but also effective on cotton/polyester blends, man-made cellulosic fibers, and cotton-rich mixed constructions. Additionally, it supports increased utilization of recycled cotton, contributing to the advancement of circularity within the textile sector.
By merging Archroma’s global market reach and technical leadership with Fibre52®’s patented low-impact innovation, the partnership aims to accelerate industry-wide adoption of an integrated bleaching-and-dyeing system that provides measurable environmental and operational benefits. Together, the companies are setting a new industry standard for sustainable, high-performance processing of cotton and blended fabrics.
Innovo Fiber LLC President Laura Thornquist emphasized that the mission has always been to make sustainable cotton processing the new global norm. She stated that partnering with Archroma enables that ambition to scale, thanks to the combined power of Fibre52®’s neutral-pH, caustic-free method and Archroma’s AVITERA® SE dye technology. According to her, this model represents the practical innovation needed to enhance performance, preserve fibers, and significantly reduce environmental impact.
Similarly, Archroma’s VP Commercial, Dhirendra Gautam, described the partnership as a major strategic advancement that unites cutting-edge technology with Archroma’s sustainability-driven approach. He noted that the collaboration empowers the textile industry to achieve unprecedented levels of environmental efficiency. With Fibre52® integrated into Archroma’s SUPER SYSTEMS+ portfolio, the company can now deliver an industry-first solution for cotton and its blends.
