Bio Finishing
Bio finishing is a process that uses enzymes to act mainly on cellulose fibers, smoothing surface fuzz and fine fibers to give a soft hand feel, a natural faded look, and a worn-in appearance.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Bio processing is a finishing process that gently changes the fiber surface by using the action of enzymes. It is often used on cellulose fibers, including cotton, and reduces surface fuzz and fine fibers to improve the texture.
Depending on the processing conditions, fabric construction, and dyeing method, the results range from a finish that simply suppresses fuzz to a finish that expresses a worn-in faded look. The name “bio processing” alone does not allow the appearance or performance to be judged uniformly.
Characteristics
As the surface is smoothed, it becomes easier to achieve a smooth, soft feel, and even fabrics with a firm hand can be given a familiar, worn-in texture. In denim and similar fabrics, areas subject to friction may show shading and abrasion marks.
On the other hand, because this process acts on part of the fibers, heavy processing may change the fabric weight, thickness, strength, and surface appearance. Its purpose and result differ from brushed processing, which raises fuzz to create thickness and warmth.
- It suppresses fuzz and makes it easier to achieve a soft touch.
- It can express a natural, washed-in appearance.
- Depending on the degree of processing, the visible hue and the fabric dimensions may change.
Main Applications
It is used on casual cotton materials such as denim, chino cloth, corduroy, canvas, jersey, and French terry. It is suitable when you want to add softness or a vintage-style look to pants, shirts, jackets, cut-and-sew items, sweatshirts, and similar products.
It is used not only for heavy woven fabrics but also for lightweight fabrics and knits. However, with lightweight or open-weave materials, processing-related weight loss or reduced strength can more easily affect appearance and durability, so it is necessary to confirm the processing level according to the intended use.
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting, confirm not only the hand feel before and after processing but also shrinkage, color difference, strength, fuzzing, and puckering after sewing through tests or samples. In particular, with dark colors and indigo-dyed fabrics, pay attention to differences in color appearance caused by processing lots and washing.
Before cutting and sewing, the fabric is scoured or straightened as needed, and the pattern is set with post-processing dimensional changes in mind. During sewing, the fabric may become softer and easier to stretch, so check feed amount, presser foot pressure, and compatibility with interlining.
Garments should be washed according to the care label. Since friction and washing may cause fading, whitening, or shrinkage to progress, care instructions such as washing dark items separately, washing inside out, and avoiding prolonged soaking are considered.
Differences from Similar Terms
Stone wash is a washing process that uses stones or similar materials to create texture through physical friction. Bio processing differs in that it mainly uses the action of enzymes, but the two are sometimes used in combination.
Chemical wash refers to a process that creates a faded or uneven look with chemicals, and its mechanism differs from bio processing. Softening finish is a process that adds a soft touch using softeners and similar agents, and it is distinguished from bio processing, which acts on the fiber surface itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does bio processing cause fabric shrinkage?
Dimensions may change due to moisture, heat, mechanical action, and changes in the fiber surface during processing. Shrinkage varies depending on the material, construction, and processing conditions, so before mass production, confirm the shrinkage rate with the processed fabric and reflect it in the yardage or pattern as needed.
Are bio processing and enzyme wash the same?
Enzyme wash is sometimes used almost synonymously with bio processing to refer to a washing process that uses enzymes. However, because the intended effects range widely, including fuzz removal, softening, and faded color expression, confirm the desired appearance sample and processing conditions when placing an order.
Do bio-processed products fade in home laundering?
The degree of fading varies depending on the dye, dyeing method, processing conditions, and wash fastness. In particular, dark colors and indigo dyeing may be subject to color transfer and whitening from friction and washing, so check the care label and handle accordingly, such as washing separately at first.
