Dispersing and Wetting

Ecologically advanced agents with anti-backstaining, wetting, emulsifying and
cleansing properties

A dispersing agent, or dispersant, is a surface active polymer that is added to the bath. In the denim garment industry, the dispersing agents are typically used to maintain the dispersion of indigo or dye molecules in the bath, preventing their deposit on the garment. For this reason the dispersing agents are also called anti back staining agents.

Comparison between a raw denim fabric before and after treatment with Garmon's dispersing products Comparison between a raw denim fabric before and after treatment with Garmon's dispersing products

Drag the pointer to see on the left a denim garment after a stone washing using a poor performing dispersant; on the right the same garment using fortres gdp

Wetting agents make solid materials more susceptible to water immersion by reducing surface tension or interfacial tension, allowing the water to expand on, or penetrate, the surface of solid materials. Wetting agents are used before the application of other chemicals to enhance their performance.  

The use of Garmon’s anti backstaining agents allow numerous advantages in garment treatment, such as:

  • dispersion and suspension of indigo during stone wash treatments on denim, avoiding back-staining
  • wetting action in desizing treatments or during bleaching processes with hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide
  • detergency both in neutral and alkaline conditions
  • a more uniform and effective action of chemicals, with a fast and regular distribution into the fiber

Moreover, Garmon offers certified anti backstaining solutions that have a minimum environmental impact and are safe for human health. The majority of Garmon's dispersing and wetting agents are included in the ZDHC Gateway.

Anti Backstaining Products:

Fortres Gems, anti-backstaining in its purest form

fortres gems

Fortres Gems, anti-backstaining in its purest form

a highly performing dispersing agent in solid form for denim garment applications.

  • bluesign®
  • ZDHC level 3
View product

fortres flex

Outstanding dispersing agent and antistain to protect elastane fiber (Lycra). Works at low temperatures.

  • bluesign®
  • ZDHC level 3
  • GOTS

fortres lgs

Dispersing agent to avoid back-staining during all washing steps of denim and non-denim.
  • bluesign®
  • ZDHC level 3

fortres gdp / fortres gdp plus

Outstanding dispersing agent to avoid back-staining during all washing steps of denim and non-denim.
  • bluesign®
  • ZDHC level 3
  • Nimbus
  • Smart Foam

fortres gdp super conc

Outstanding dispersing agent in concentrated form to avoid back-staining during all washing steps of denim and non-denim.

  • bluesign®
  • ZDHC level 3

fortres dsw

Wetting, detergent and emulsifying non-foaming agent suitable for alkaline scouring-bleaching and for dyeing/washing-off on cotton garments.
  • bluesign®
  • ZDHC level 3

fortres gsl

High-performing dispersing agent to avoid back-staining during all washing steps of denim and non-denim.
  • Nimbus
Do you want to test Garmon's Dispersing and Wetting products in your laundry?