Naturally dyed Benarasi sarees help conserve environment

23 Nov '07

2 min read

Benarasi silk sarees are likely to flaunt natural hues instead of synthetic dyes. A six member research team from the Institution of Technology of Benaras Hindu University (IT-BHU), is working out a strategy to develop and modernize the Bhadohi saree and carpet industry.

Led by Dr P K Mishra and Dr Pradip Srivastav from the department of Chemical Engineering, the team is using the solvent and enzymatic extraction technique to get natural colours from plants flowers and fruits. Additives are used to fix the colours to the fibre.

These natural colours are non-toxic and environment-friendly, unlike the conventional chemical dyes used for colouring fabrics.

In an exclusive interview with Fibre2fashion, Dr P K Mishra said “Although in terms of appearance there's not much difference between natural and synthetically dyed textiles. In fact the synthetic dying process is well established and easy, whereas there is still a lot of improvement required in the case of natural dying. The range of colours available in synthetic dye category is far more compared to that available in natural dyes. A lot of effort is needed in the identification and extraction of dyes from various herbs/plants available in India and worldwide. At present with certain limitation of colour range, we will be having naturally dyed textile products of nearly equal quality as those of synthetically dyed products. The user of naturally dyed textile products will certainly encourage the echo friendly attitude.”

More Institution of Technology, Benaras Hindu University (IT-BHU) News... More Textiles News - India...