Enzymes for Textile

At Maps, we continuously develop our product line in order to have innovative enzymes with unique performance features for existing and new applications within the textile industry. Our R&D aims to provide innovative products for fabric treatment reducing process time, chemical consumption and energy costs in compliance with sustainable development.

We provide a range of enzymes like amylases, cellulases, catalase, pectinase and protease for various textile wet-processing applications like desizing, bio-polishing, denim finishing, bleach clean-up, bio-scouring and de-wooling.

Desizing

For fabrics made from cotton or blends, the warp threads are coated with an adhesive substance know as 'size‘; to prevent the threads breaking during weaving. Although many different compounds have been used to size fabrics, starch and its derivatives have been the most common sizing agent. After weaving, the size must be removed again in order to prepare the fabric for dyeing and finishing.

This process (desizing) must be carried out by treating the fabric with chemicals such as acids, alkali or oxidising agents. However starch­breaking enzymes (amylases) are preferred for desizing due to their high efficiency and specific action. Amylases bring about complete removal of the size without any harmful effects on the fabric. Another benefit of enzymes compared to strong chemicals mentioned above is that enzymes are environment friendly.

Maps offers a range of amylases for desizing which work at different temperatures and for different equipments.

Palkozyme	Alpha amylase for low-medium temperature conventional desizing.
Palkozyme Ultra	Alpha amylase for low-medium temperature desizing
Palkozyme Plus	Alpha amylase for high temperature desizing
Palkozyme HT	Heat-stable alpha amylase for high temperature desizing
Palkozyme CLX	Alpha amylase for low temperature desizing

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Bio-Polishing

Cotton and other natural fibres based on cellulose can be improved by an enzymatic treatment known as Bio­Polishing. This treatment gives the fabric a smoother and glossier appearance. The treatment is used to remove 'fuzz' - the tiny strands of fibre that protrude from the surface of yarn. A ball of fuzz is called a 'pill' in the textile trade. After Bio­Polishing, the fuzz and pilling are reduced. The other benefits of removing fuzz are a softer and smoother handle, and superior colour brightness.

Maps offers a range of cellulases for bio-polishing which work on depending on fibre, fabric type and equipments.

Palkofeel	Cellulase for bio-polishing cotton and blended fabric and garment
Palkofeel C	Cellulase for bio-polishing cotton fabric and garments
Palkosoft	Cellulase for bio-polishing cotton and blended fabric and garment

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Denim Finishing

Many garments are subjected to a wash treatment to give them a slightly worn look; example is the stonewashing of denim jeans. In the traditional stonewashing process, the blue denim was faded by the abrasive action of pumice stones on the garment surface. Nowadays, denim finishers are using a special cellulase.

Cellulase works by loosening the indigo dye on the denim in a process know as 'Bio-Stonewashing'. A small dose of enzyme can replace several kilograms of pumice stones. The use of less pumice stones results in less damage to garment, machine and less pumice dust in the laundry environment.

Bio­Stonewashing has opened up new possibilities in denim finishing by increasing the variety of finishes available. For example, it is now possible to fade denim to a greater degree without running the risk of damaging the garment. Productivity can also be increased because laundry machines contain fewer stones or no stones and more garments.

Maps offers a range of cellulases for denim finishing, each with its own special properties. These can be used either alone or in combination with pumice stones in order to obtain a specific look.

Palkowash	Cellulase for bio-stonewashing denims used in garment wet-processing
Palkostone	Cellulase for bio-stonewashing denims used in garment wet-processing
Palkocel	Cellulase for bio-stonewashing denims used in garment wet-processing

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Bleach Clean-up

Natural fabrics such as cotton are normally bleached with hydrogen peroxide before dyeing. Bleaches are highly reactive chemicals and any peroxide left on the fabric can interfere with the dyeing process. A thorough 'Bleach Cleanup' is necessary. The traditional method is to neutralize the bleach with a reducing agent, but the dose has to be controlled precisely. Enzymes present a more convenient alternative because they are easier and quicker to use. A small dose of catalase is capable of breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Compared with the traditional clean­up methods, the enzymatic process results in cleaner waste water or reduced water consumption.

Maps offer catalase for removing residual hydrogen peroxide after the bleaching of cotton. It reduces the rinsing necessary to remove bleach or it can be used to replace chemical treatments.

Palkoperox

Catalase for bleach clean-up i.e. removal residual hydrogen peroxide after the bleaching of cotton.

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Bio-Scouring

Cotton yarn or fabric, prior to dyeing or printing, goes through a number of processes in a textile processing unit. A very important process is scouring. In this process, non-cellulosic components from native cotton are completely or partially removed.

Scouring gives a fabric with a high and even wet ability so that it can be bleached and dyed successfully. Today, highly alkaline chemicals caustic soda are used for scouring. These chemicals not only remove the non-cellulosic impurities from the cotton, but also attack the cellulose leading to heavy strength loss and weight loss in the fabric. Furthermore, using these hazardous chemicals result in high COD (chemical oxygen demand), BOD (biological oxygen demand) and TDS, in the waste water

Recently a new enzymatic scouring process know as 'Bio-Scouring' is used in textile wet-processing with which all non-cellulosic components from native cotton are completely or partially removed. After this Bio-Scouring process, the cotton has an intact cellulose structure, with lower weight loss and strength loss. The fabric gives better wetting and penetration properties, making subsequent bleach process easy and resultantly giving much better dye uptake.

Maps offers multi-component enzyme for bio-scouring

Palkoscour

Multi-component enzyme for bio-scouring i.e. complete or partial removal of non-cellulosic components from native cotton

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