With the world moving towards sustainability and environmental consciousness, the fashion and textile industry too are witnessing a huge revolutionary shift towards adopting eco-friendly practices. As a result, natural dyes are regaining popularity among customers and craftspeople alike. People have now started to witness the beauty, originality, and environmental advantages of plant-based dyes. Previously overshadowed by synthetic dyes, the natural dyes from plants have made a comeback and for a good reason. In our 101 guide to natural dyes, we’ll dig into the intriguing world of eco-friendly dyes and their importance in the contemporary era. Keep on reading to gain interesting insights.
What Is A Natural Dye
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Natural dye is described as any dye or pigment, obtained from natural, renewable and sustainable bioresources, such as plants or minerals which have minimal or no damaging impact on the environment. Since ancient times, natural dues from plants have been used to colour fabrics like wool, silk, and cotton, food components and cosmetics.
Indian crafts like Bagh Block Printed fabrics or traditional Indian Paintings have been using natural dyes since ancient times.
Did you You Know: Madder roots, weld seeds, and indigo leaves are the plants that provide the most consistent hues. They were used in most of the traditional dyeing techniques.
Origin Of Natural Dyes
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Natural dyes have a long history that may be linked to numerous ancient cultures around the world.
In the past, pigments for colouring fabrics were produced from plants, minerals, and even insects. For example, the indigenous people of America used natural resources like cochineal insects to produce vivid red colours, while the ancient Egyptians collected dyes from sources like indigo and madder roots to colour their textiles.
Ancient manuscripts that describe techniques for extracting colours from plants and minerals, including those written by Pliny the Elder in ancient Rome, also make mention of the usage of natural dyes.
The use of turmeric and other botanical sources for medicinal and dyeing purposes in traditional practices like Ayurveda in India highlights the close ties between natural dyes and cultural practices.
The resurgence of these age-old methods and materials has gained traction as contemporary environmental sustainability concerns increase, bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern eco-consciousness.
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How Are Natural Dyes Made From Natural Sources?
The complex process of making natural dyes depicts a perfect blend of science and creativity. Here’s how eco-friendly dyes are obtained from natural sources.
Step 1: Sourcing
The careful selection of colour sources marks the start of the adventure. Leaf, root, flower, and bark extracts are common sources of plant-based colours. Similarly, the grinding and processing of minerals produce pigments. When caught and dried, even insects like cochineal can produce deep red and purple hues. Each source possesses distinct properties, which will become apparent as the dying process progresses.
Step 2: Extraction Of Pigments
It takes a careful balancing act of heat, water, and time to extract pigments from raw materials. The dye-bearing components of plant-based sources are frequently cooked or simmered to release their colour. At this point, mordants such as alum, iron, and even tannins from oak galls are used to improve colour retention.
Step 3: Colouring The Fabric
The natural dye solution is transformed into a captivating palette once pigments are removed and mordants are added. When the fabric is submerged, the colouring process starts. Here, the duration of the process and the temperature are crucial factors in determining the final colour. What may begin as a light yellow could turn into a richer, deeper shade of gold.
Benefits Of Using Natural Dyes For Printing & Painting
Some of the amazing advantages of natural dyes are as follows:
- Anti-microbial
Numerous natural colours also possess anti-microbial qualities that can inhibit the growth of mould and kill germs. For instance, natural dyes obtained from Rubia cordifolia (Madder) and Acacia catechu (Khair/Katha) help kill germs.
- Biodegradable
Most natural colours are compostable because they are made from natural sources. They, therefore, do not release any poisonous or damaging substances into the environment after degradation.
- Skin-Friendly
Natural vegetable dyes are non-irritating and safe for skin, even delicate skin. This is due to the fact that they are created from natural ingredients. By obstructing part of the damaging UV rays that reach your skin, they help to protect your skin from sunburns to some extent.
Natural dyes have become an appealing choice for the fashion and textile sectors in the quest for sustainability and a closer connection to the environment. This old art is once again being practised because of its vibrant colours, positive effects on the environment, and cultural relevance.
If you too are looking for products made with natural dyes check out iTokri’s collection of Bagh block printing. iTokri, the Indian handloom online store brings you an amazing collection of handmade products hailing their roots from the roots of ancient India.
Frequently Asked Questions On Plant-Based Dyes
What are examples of natural dyes?
Some of the common examples of natural dyes are indigo, madder root, onion skin, walnut hulls, turmeric, etc.
What is the most common natural dye?
Indigo is one of the most common natural and eco-friendly dyes.
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