Interview with Alice Tonello, R&D and Marketing Director, Tonello Srl
At the recent DenimsandJeans India Show 2025 in Bangalore, Italian garment finishing technology leader Tonello Srl reaffirmed its pioneering status with a powerful showcase of innovations in sustainable and smart denim finishing. In an exclusive conversation with The Textile Magazine, Alice Tonello, R&D and Marketing Director, shared insights into the company’s newest technologies, India collaborations, and their vision for the future of garment processing.
Efficiency-Driven Sustainability: What’s New at Tonello
Making her first visit to Bangalore, Alice expressed enthusiasm about Tonello’s long-standing relationships in India:
“It’s my first time in Bangalore, but we have many customers here in India. It’s always a pleasure to be back where people understand the value of innovation.”
At the forefront of Tonello’s display was the new range of energy-efficient dryers, boasting over 20% energy savings, a critical move toward lowering environmental footprints in denim production.
Another key highlight was DYEMATE, the first indigo garment dyeing technology, also suitable for sulfur and VAT dyes, delivering stunning tonal results — especially when combined with laser marking:
“DyeMate is achieving amazing results, even when we mark with the laser. This opens new creative dimensions while reducing process complexity.”
Redefining Laundry with ‘The Laundry (R)Evolution’
Tonello continues to lead with their All-in-One System, part of their overarching vision of “The Laundry (R)Evolution” — a modular and sustainable garment finishing platform. Alice detailed how Tonello’s Washing Machine with All-in-One Technology combines multiple sustainable processes into a single unit:
- UP: A technology for washing with liquor ratios as low as 1:2 or 1:3 (1 kg garment to 2-3 L water).
- CORE: A nebulization system to apply a wide range of finishing chemicals without immersing garments in water.
- NoStone®: A plug-and-play abrasive system replacing traditional pumice stones, eliminating sludge and stone damage.
- EGO: A patented ozone treatment technology functioning in three modes — wet ozone, dry ozone, and OBleach for natural-looking seam contrasts.
“We are integrating technologies like ozone, nebulization, laser, and the NoStone® system into one platform — reducing water usage and environmental impact while achieving excellent aesthetic finishes,” she explained.
She emphasized the dramatic sustainability gains:
“Traditionally, washing a pair of jeans uses 100–200 liters of water. With our latest technologies, that’s down to under 20 liters per garment.”
Smart Factories: Data, Automation, and Predictive Control
Tonello’s forward-thinking also extends into automation and digitalization. Their METRO platform — a smart software suite — offers full visibility and control across the production chain:
“We believe in data. METRO connects to lasers, washers, dryers — showing real-time consumption and production data. It helps monitor and even schedule the laundry process efficiently.”
This aligns with their vision of smart, flexible, and automated laundries, where digital control ensures consistent quality while reducing operator dependency.
THE Laser 2.0: Precision Meets Productivity
Laser finishing has been a Tonello hallmark, and their THE Laser 2.0 system is now faster and more precise than ever:
“We’ve updated the hardware significantly. THE Laser 2.0 brings unmatched speed and precision, giving designers and laundries a powerful creative and productive tool.”
The synergy of laser with DyeMate and ozone creates finishes that replicate natural wear patterns, reducing the need for water-intensive or chemical-heavy processes.
India: A Strategic Market and Collaborative Hub
Tonello’s presence in India is growing steadily, backed by strong relationships with leading denim manufacturers:
“We have multiple key customers in India. Some have completely embraced our vision of the ‘laundry of the present and future,’ combining our laser, all-in-one system, and dryers,” said Alice.
Tonello also hosts workshops in Italy, welcoming Indian partners for immersive sessions — underscoring the company’s commitment to hands-on collaboration and technology transfer.
Consumer Trends and R&D: The Creative Connection
Discussing how fashion trends influence Tonello’s R&D, Alice noted:
“Trends act as a spark for innovation. We try to deliver the same touch and aesthetic — but by thinking outside the box. That’s our philosophy.”
Tonello’s R&D team is a blend of new-gen designers and old-school wash experts — enabling experimentation and real-world solutions:
“This fusion of experience and fresh ideas is the best combination to break conventions while staying relevant.”
The Road Ahead: Sustainable Creativity
For Tonello, the future of denim finishing is not only sustainable but also beautifully expressive. With modular machines, intelligent software, and eco-friendly processes, they are building a new grammar of garment finishing — one that balances artistic freedom, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
“The technology is ready. Now, it’s about inspiring the industry to adopt it.”