What Does Future Hold for T-Shirt Dyes?

Monday 07th of February 2011 02:21:33 AM

What Does Future Hold for T-Shirt Dyes?

Natural dyes were abandoned when synthetic dyes became popular. Most products that are natural tend to take longer to make and so the synthetic dyes were seen as cost saving. A natural dye can come from a number of organic and inorganic materials found in nature. For example, dyes can be made using plant roots or bark. Shellfish or berries among many other materials have also been used to make natural dyes.

For many years the public was content to buy products without worrying about the impact of production methods on the environment. But now there is increasing demand for environmentally friendly products and a desire to develop a small carbon footprint through choices. In response to this demand, the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTR) has been working on developing natural dyes that are economically feasible to produce and able to meet the same standards as synthetic dyes. The project also focused on developing dyes that are brightly colored.

Eco-fashion is everywhere today. You can buy everything from dresses to plain t-shirts that were produced with organic materials. The organic clothing is durable and soft and the choice of many consumers. Now they can look forward to fashions in the future being made with natural dyes that are going to be brightly colored. The PTR project focused on producing selected natural dyes that can meet certain tests related to color fastness and color uniformity and brightness.

The project required the development of new technology and is now looking for businesses willing to take this technology to the next level. There is further development needed to get natural dyes as color durable as fashion produced with synthetic dyes. PTR is looking to develop partnerships with private businesses. But the real news is the eco-fashion fans have much to look forward to in their quest to protect the environment.