Biobased Dyes and Pigments

Most of commonly used dyes are petrol-chemical based. Extensive use of petrol-chemical based dyes is not only harmful to human health, but also seriously polluting when it is released into our natural resources like water and soil. With the rising need to curb emissions from dyeing industry, use of biobased dyes and pigments have become more of a mainstay. Biobased dyes and pigments mentioned here refer to colorants derived from plants, invertebrates and those dyes and pigments produced by biological methods. Biobased dyes and pigments are inviting and satisfying to use. Most are familiar substances that will spark creative ideas and widen your view of the world.

What We Offer

Alfa Chemistry can offer biobased dyes and pigments in a wide range of specifications:

Applications

Biobased dyes and pigments find their applications in the coloration of textiles, foods, drugs, and cosmetics(Figure 1). Small quantities of them are also used in coloration of paper, leather, shoe polish, wood, cane, candles, etc. Here we listed some examples:

Applications of biobased dyes and pigments Fig. 1 Applications of biobased
dyes and pigments

Biobased dyes for the application of textile can be made from nuts and berries. It's possible to dye fabrics any array of colors you want, naturally. Common dyes can be used in textile are alizarin, indigo, turmeric, henna, logwood, and so on.
It totally makes sense that fruits and veggies hold natural food dye. Some of the most common ones are carotenoids, chlorophyll, anthocyanin, and turmeric.
Chamomile, yarrow, wormwood, woad, turmeric, goldenrod, rosemary and marigolds are a few examples of medicinal plants that are also used as biobased dyes.
Colors play a decisive role in the marketing of cosmetic products. Biobased dyes is projected to be a fast-growing type segment of the cosmetic dyes. The commonly used dyes are annatto, beta-carotene, caramel, carmine, chlorophyllin Cu complex, guaiazulene, henna and guanine, etc.

Processes for Dyeing

Processes of dyeing vary with the applications. Here we take textile for example, as it's the most difficult one.

Making dyeing solution

Measure your dyes.
Add a moderate amount of water into your dye kettle.
Prepare a dyeing solution of proper concentration.

Dyeing

Wet out the fibers.
Add the wetted fibers into the dye kettle.
Heat up slowly - the proper temperature will depend on the fibers and dyes.
Keep the temperature be for over 1 hour.

After dyeing

Turn off the heat and allow the dyebath to cool slowly (Some colors will benefit from staying in the dyebath overnight).
Remove items out and rinse gently in cool water.
Hang to dry out.

Alfa Chemistry is a professional supplier of biobased dyes and pigments. For high quality products, professional technical service, use suggestion and latest industry news, please feel free to contact us.