As with traditional stone washing, the intended effect is a faded appearance and softer feel.
[2][3] In the enzyme wash process, cellulases act on exposed cellulose on the cotton fibers, freeing indigo dye from the fabric.
[4] The effect achieved by enzyme washing can be modified by using cellulase of either neutral or acidic pH and by introducing extra mechanical agitation by means such as steel balls.
[1] In enzyme washing, dye released by enzymatic activity has a tendency to redeposit on the textile ("back staining").
[1] In 2017, Novozymes developed a technique to spray enzymes directly on denim in a closed washing machine system as opposed to adding the enzymes to an open washing machine, further decreasing the water needed for the enzyme wash.[7] The recent revival in acid-washed denim in the late 2010s as well as increased demand for eco-friendly denim voiced on social media have made sustainable wash techniques such as enzyme washing even more integral to the textile industry.