The beauty of natural dyes
The most sustainable fiber in the world
Natural dyes are making a comeback. As the health and environmental impacts of synthetic dyes become more widely reported, many companies, designers and textile producers are returning natural dyes with non-toxic elements. Natural dyes are safer, gentler on the planet and can enhance our well-being through reconnecting us with the natural world.
Throughout history, people have dyed their textiles using natural, locally available materials. The majority of natural dyes come from plant sources – roots, berries, bark, leaves, and wood – and more rarely from insect and mineral sources.
During the mid-19th century, synthetic dyes almost completely replaced natural dyes. Synthetic dyes are cheaper, easier to manufacture and can be used to dye synthetic fibers, but they come at a great environmental cost and healthy concerns.
Due to their lower environmental footprint, non-toxicity and unique aesthetic qualities, natural dyeing techniques, kept alive by home dyers and preserved by traditional cultures around the world, are experiencing a resurgence. Let’s take a look at their benefits.
NON-TOXIC
The use of natural dyes is biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-allergenic. As long as they are dyed and finished without using harmful chemicals, natural dyes are much more environmentally friendly than synthetic dyes.
Companies dying with synthetic dyes without any health standard can also pose a direct risk to consumers. Certain dyes remain on the fabric, evaporating into the air we breathe or being absorbed by the skin. Contact with some chemicals can trigger allergic actions, cause skin irritation and rashes
SUSTAINABLE
Most of natural dyes comes from natural sources like plants, roots, minerals, wood, etc. so they are not harmful for the environment.
ECO-FRIENDLY
Since natural dyes comes from renewable sources, the are renewable and better for our planet.
UNIQUE COLORS
Natural dyes give unique and special color palettes. Soft or dark hues can be obtained with a combination of different plants, flowers and color pigments.
Natural colors are really popular nowadays and with natural dyes you can get exceptional color tones thar are difficult to get with synthetic dyes.
ANTIMICROBIAL
Most of these natural dyes have also inherently antimicrobial properties and could consequently possess high medicinal activity. They can easily be used to replace synthetic dyes in children’s garment.
NON-ALLERGENIC
People with allergies are benefited from using fabrics made with natural dyes because of the toxic components of synthetic dyes.
The benefits of natural dyeing processes are clear. Using natural dyes provides an important alternative to the highly polluting synthetic dyeing industry responsible for the degradation of waterways and negative health impacts.
Natural dyes reconnect us with the land, nature and has a positive impact in our environment. And with their potential for rebuilding soil health, natural dyes are an exciting part of the regenerative textile movement.
If you are interested in our collection made with natural dyes, please complete the form and we will contact you with more information.