Fast fashion may boast a different variety of colors, but its environmental impact casts a dark shadow. Dyeing processes are highly polluting and release harmful chemicals into waterways, consuming large amounts of water which is eventually not good for the fast-moving fashion. But fear not, fashion-minded ecologists! There is a rising wave of sustainable dyes that are more conscious of the environment and the clothes we wear.
What are Natural Dyes?
Eco-friendly dyes focus on methods that reduce the dye’s impact on the environment.
There are several ways to do this:
- Natural dyes: Back to nature’s abundance, dyes are coming back from plants, insects, and even minerals. Although the color palette may be smaller than synthetic dyes, natural dyes have unique applications and often require fewer complex chemicals to fix. Madder root produces vibrant reds, indigo gives a blue color, and turmeric a golden color.
- Bio-dyes: Biotechnology opens the door to a new generation of dyes. Organisms such as bacteria and fungi are used to produce living, long-lasting dyes using renewable resources, such as plant sugar or food waste. This will reduce dependence on oil and provide a sustainable way of using waste materials.
- Low-impact Dyes: The artificial colors are not completely lost in the picture. Emphasis is placed on dyes that are low in fat, less water, energy and chemicals when producing different types. In addition, innovations in color stabilization techniques reduce the release of harmful substances into wastewater.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Natural Dyes
In addition to interesting recipes, natural dyes have many advantages that are popular with those interested in life and art:
- Natural dyes are renewable and biological
Natural colors do not contain toxic chemicals. This is one of the main advantages of natural colors. On the other hand, chemical dyes contain various toxic substances that cause health problems. Chemical dyes containing azo compounds are also carcinogenic and are therefore banned in most countries, including India. However, the chemical dyes on the market today still contain harmful chemicals.
- Different colors options
There are many colors in nature that are effective as antibiotics. Some colors offer more protection against UV rays. Natural colors are gentle on sensitive skin and are high in demand for babies’ clothing and people with allergies.
- It can be easily recycled
Discharged sewage (i.e wastewater for color) and natural dyes that are not harmful and can be used in agriculture. This is very important because in illegal non-industrial color systems, the wastewater may not be treated to the required standards and still be discharged into the water. Water erosion, soil degradation, water quality and human health.
Unfortunately, natural dyes cannot compete with chemical dyes on a commercial scale because of the following disadvantages:
- Many raw natural materials are required to make bio-based dyes. Natural dyes are more expensive than chemical dyes because they are labor intensive to produce and require a lot of raw materials.
- Natural dyes produce a small range of colors compared to chemical dyes, which can produce any color under the sun. Most natural dyes produced from chemical dyes, and some dyes such as indigo, are less brilliant.
- Non-dyed clothing usually fades in the wash, so it should be washed separately. It also fades faster than chemically dyed clothes.
- Different color palettes have different colors because they cannot be repeated. There is no doubt that natural dyes have many benefits, and researchers are investigating their functional properties (such as medicinal products, UV protection, etc.).
However, it is very difficult to make their marketing efforts. For this reason, most major manufacturing companies use chemical dyes. Today, most Indian artists and weavers use chemical dyes for block printing or fabric dyeing.
Despite all the challenges, natural dyes are in demand for greater usage for fashion business because they are seen to be more environmentally sustainable than chemicals. As a sustainable fashion firm, it is critical to ask: despite the challenges, is it necessary to increase the use of natural dyes from a sustainability standpoint?
Usage of Eco-Friendly Dyeing
Eco-friendly dyeing processes are causing waves in the textile business:
- Handcrafted textiles: The ancient art of using natural dyes is reviving and producing unique textiles and cultural values.
- Home textiles: Sustainable dyes are used to create eco-friendly textiles for carpets, curtains and other home textiles.
- Upcycling: Natural dyes can be used to breathe new life into old clothes and promote a more circular fashion industry.
Challenges to Environmentally Friendly Dye
Although the benefits cannot be ruled out, environmentally friendly dyeing methods are still at risk:
- Increasing Production: Natural dyes and bio-based alternatives will be more environmentally friendly than synthetic dyes or processes that require more specialization and are carried out on a large scale. Curtain construction
- Color Uniformity: Natural colors have very little variation in color compared to synthetic materials, which is difficult for some manufacturers.
- Consumer Awareness: Educating consumers about the importance of sustainable color practices and the benefits they offer is critical to the overall landscape.
How does Biotechnology help in Wastewater Treatment?
Wastewater treatment is the transformation of wastewater into an acceptable or safe form. It usually includes physical, chemical and biological methods to reduce solids, organic matter, nutrients, pathogens and toxic substances. Biotechnology can help improve biological wastewater treatment systems by introducing bacteria, enzymes, or plants that break down contaminants.
Activated sludge, for example, is a popular biological process that degrades organic debris and nutrients in wastewater by combining microorganisms with oxygen. Microorganisms are removed from treated water using sedimentation or filtering.
In addition, anaerobic digestion is another biological process that uses anaerobic bacteria to convert organic matter into biomass. This practice reduces the amount of waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Finally, phytoremediation is a biological process that uses plants to absorb and break down pollutants in wastewater. Plants can also provide oxygen, shade and water retention. Phytoremediation can be used for wetlands, ponds, and constructed wetlands.
Conclusion
Preserving water resources and protecting the environment & communities is crucial for our environmental health. World Water Day is celebrated to raise awareness to manage and preserve water resources sustainably.
Alongside using bio-based dyes recycled threads like polyester corespun thread and textured thread help reduce environmental impact.
Eco-friendly dyeing techniques are a way to progress and understand the fashion industry. By using natural dyes, eco-friendly and low-impact materials, we can create a world where nature lives on but the impact on the environment is reduced. Through continuous innovation, collaboration and integrity, we can make the world a better place to live.
