Mercerization

Mercerization is a finishing technique whereby cellulosic (natural) fibres are treated with a concentrated solution of caustic soda under tension and ambient temperature.

1. The mercerization process causes the fibres to swell, naturally open up and untwist to let out all the impurities and the shortest fibres from inside, resulting in a unique cleanliness.
2. Through mercerization, you release everything that is non-cotton, which can be 20%-30% of unnecessary material. Only the pure cotton that is left, reducing the overall amount that is needed. Mercerization also increases tintorial affinity and reduces the required amount of chemicals and dyes required 20-30%
3. During mercerization the material tries to shrink, but the machine holds the fabric in place and arranges the cells to be more elastic.