By Paz Coliguante - Translated by Adriana Serrano
It is known that the process of dyeing and finishing garments in the clothing sector is responsible for 20% of the world's drinking water pollution. Only one stage in the production process of a garment takes this overwhelming number.
If you delve into the subject, dyeing requires up to 150 liters of water per kilogram of fabric, approximately. To this is added that, in its use, more than 1900 chemical products are used, within which, 165 are prohibited in several countries.
It is imperative to take a critical look at the various stages involved in the production of a garment, since this allows us to measure the impact of what is consumed, used, and discarded.
In the current context, thinking about plant-based dyes is presented as a beneficial alternative to sustainable fashion. Implementing technologies and resources that allow fabrics to be coloured from an environmentally responsible perspective is a great finding. This change not only reduces the environmental impact of fashion, but also marks the beginning of a new era in textile production, more responsible and aligned with the principles of circular economy.
Natural dyes: A planet-friendly alternative
The Aitex Tinable project, for example, has been a pioneer in the research of natural dyes derived from sources such as plants, minerals and microorganisms. It aims to replace synthetic dyes, often derived from petroleum, with renewable and less environmentally harmful options. This project has made significant progress, developing new natural pigments with improved characteristics, such as light fastness and resistance to washing, which makes them suitable for the demanding standards of the textile industry.
An Example of Innovation: Archroma and Colorifix
Although the search for an improvement in relation to the dyes used in the industry is a reason for research and development, there are two great pioneers in the market. On the one hand, the company Archroma has created EarthColors®, a range of dyes derived from inedible agricultural waste, such as almond peels, rosemary leaves and bitter oranges. Thiswaste, which was previously discarded, now serves as a natural alternative to petroleum-based dyes, promoting the circular economy and significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the dyeing process.
For its part, Colorifix has developed a revolutionary technology that uses microorganisms designed to produce natural pigments from genetic codes. This innovation eliminates the need for chemicals and reduces the use of water and energy during the dyeing process. The system allows for more efficient and cleaner coloration, which does not produce the dangerous effluents common in traditional methods. This approach not only helps the environment, but it is also being adopted by factories and brands looking for more responsible alternatives.
A way towards circularity in the textile dyeing sector
The revolution of natural dyes is not only about using greener materials, but also about completely transforming production processes. By integrating dyes derived from nature, such as those obtained from plants, insects and even food waste, the textile industry is moving towards a more circular future, where resources are reused and products are designed with their entire life cycle in mind.
Considering the current context of the sector, the adoption of natural dyes and impact technologies represents a fundamental step towards its transformation. Research and technological advances are paving the way for cleaner fashion, where the beauty of colors is not achieved at the expense of the environment.
Sources:
https://www.aitex.es/portfolio/tinable-id-del-proceso-de-tintura-y-acabado-textil-sostenible/
