Social and Environmental Impact of Natural Dyeing

Textile production is the prime reason for effluent creation, and excessive research is being done for efficient effluent management systems all over the world. Though regulations and standards have been devised by countries across the world, problems still exist as the sources of them have not been addressed. Synthetic materials and auxiliaries are being used extensively for textile production which has a bearing on the health of the industry personnel as well as the environment. Synthetic dyes are manufactured with a high degree of colour fastness for long-lasting effects. Even small quantities of leftover dyes contribute to the colour of the wastewater. Colour and toxicity removal require special processes after textile processing is completed. The consciousness of sustainable textile manufacturing has created the need for the selection of more safe alternatives. One such process is natural dyeing which provides innumerable opportunities for new colour combinations, safe throwaways for agricultural use, using ingredients of natural origin and affording a non-hazardous subtle feel to human skin. This chapter studies the social and ecological impacts of natural dyeing giving rise to sustainable results. An analysis of a few case studies will help to prove that natural dyes taken from renewable resources will be the trend in the fashion industry for many years in the future.