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Philippines:Natural dyes from common tropical plants |
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2004-11-1
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 Researchers here have found common plants that could reduce import of synthetic dyes and pollution.
The scientists at the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) have identified 26 species of plants including mangrove trees, a type of onion, and guava and cashew nut trees, which could be used to produce high-quality natural dyes.
PTRI - an institute run by the Philippine Department of Science and Technology has also developed techniques for efficiently extracting the dyes.Explaining the techniques leader of the team of researchers, Zenaida de Guzman said that the species are widely distributed in the Philippines and in other tropical countries as Africa, Asia and Latin America. He also added that the plants can be easily cultivated in humid regions.
Environmental pollution is mainly due to the discharges of toxic waste into water systems by the textile industry, according to the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Synthetic dyes, which are more abundant, cheaper and easier to apply than natural dyes play an important role is the cause of pollution. The Philippines has been importing most of its dyeing, tanning and other colouring materials because of the absence of local manufacturers of either synthetic or natural dyestuffs, PTRI reported.
To address this problem, PTRI has been collaborating with other agencies to develop technologies for extracting and applying natural dyes."The government should continue its efforts to revive the natural dyeing technology — not only in order to cut down the country''s reliance on synthetic dye imports but also to explore benefits that can be derived from indigenous sources," PTRI director Carlos Tomboc told SciDev.net.
A book is under compilation by the Philippine Textile Research Institute containing information about the plants and their applications and expected to be available in January 2005. |
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