recent advancements in sustainable natural dyes

For centuries, dyes derived from natural materials such as plant leaves, roots, bark, insect secretions, and minerals were the only dyes available to mankind for the coloring of textiles until the discovery of the first synthetic dye in 1856. the environmental issues in the production and application of synthetic dyes once again revived consumer interest in natural dyes during the last decades of the twentieth century. this has resulted in the meticulous environmental standards imposed by many countries in response to the toxic and allergic reactions associated with synthetic dyes. natural dyes are cheap, easily obtainable, exhibit better biodegradability, and are generally more compatible with the environment. the source of natural dyes and pigments are broadly classified as plant, animal, mineral, and microbial. natural dyes can be used in many applications including but not limited to food, pharmaceuticals, dye-sensitized solar cells, handicraft articles, leather processing, and textiles. natural dyes can dye almost all types of natural fibers and even some synthetic fibers.but natural dyes themselves suffer from certain inherent disadvantages such as availability and the standardization of the dye collected from different sources which is influenced and subjected to natural variations, lack of standardized application, large water consumption in production and processing, use of metallic mordants with some natural dyes in textile industry which is not eco-friendly, etc. this keynote speech will address the three pillars of sustainability including environment, social, and economical aspects to review the sustainability of natural dyes and colorants.

Recent advancements in sustainable natural dyes

For centuries, dyes derived from natural materials such as plant leaves, roots, bark, insect secretions, and minerals were the only dyes available to mankind for the coloring of textiles until the discovery of the first synthetic dye in 1856. The environmental issues in the production and application of synthetic dyes once again revived consumer interest in natural dyes during the last decades of the twentieth century. This has resulted in the meticulous environmental standards imposed by many countries in response to the toxic and allergic reactions associated with synthetic dyes. Natural dyes are cheap, easily obtainable, exhibit better biodegradability, and are generally more compatible with the environment. The source of natural dyes and pigments are broadly classified as plant, animal, mineral, and microbial. Natural dyes can be used in many applications including but not limited to food, pharmaceuticals, dye-sensitized solar cells, handicraft articles, leather processing, and textiles. Natural dyes can dye almost all types of natural fibers and even some synthetic fibers.But natural dyes themselves suffer from certain inherent disadvantages such as availability and the standardization of the dye collected from different sources which is influenced and subjected to natural variations, lack of standardized application, large water consumption in production and processing, use of metallic mordants with some natural dyes in textile industry which is not eco-friendly, etc. This keynote speech will address the three pillars of sustainability including environment, social, and economical aspects to review the sustainability of natural dyes and colorants.