Sustainable natural dye extraction: methods and sources for eco-friendly applications

Abstract

In the prehistoric time of 3000-4000 BC, the Chinese were made dye recipes for obtaining red, black & yellow on silk, at the same time Egyptians made colored mats and hung them on the walls. In Indians religious and social customs dating back to 2500 BC include allusions to gold brocades and colored silk [1]. Natural dyes have been used to color textiles, food, drug, cosmetics, leather and fibers such as wool, silk and cotton. With growing environmental awareness, natural dyes have gained importance due to being non-toxic, nonallergenic, ecofriendly, and produce unique, softer shades [2]. Since the introduction of synthetic dyes in 1856, known for their colorfastness and lower cost, the use of natural dyes declined. But recently there has been renewed interest in natural dyes. Because synthetic dyes are headed to growing environmental hazards such as their water pollution and water disposal problems as well as those are non-biodegradable and carcinogenic [3].