Released on = June 6, 2007, 10:45 am

Press Release Author = Md. Azizur Rahman, Ms. Mousumi Bhowmik, Mr. Mitun
Chakraborty, Ms. Papita Saha,

Industry = Industrial

Press Release Summary = Natural dyers in vogue during ancient days were Indigo for
dark blue/ light blue, pomegranate vined for yellow/ brown/ green, lac for scarlet/
crimson/ purple, jackfruit heart wood for yellow/ green, majisha root for rust red,
myrobalan for khaki/ green/ black Compound shades were also got by over dyeing of
yarn with two colours or by cross weaving. These natural dyes were eco-friendly and
more importantly non-carcinogenic, unlike the synthetic dyes in use now.

Press Release Body = The discovery methods of synthesizing alizanin and indigo spelt
the death knell of the indigenous industry. Due to the ease of application, bright
shades obtained and the hard shell of the colonial rulers, hand weavers started to
opt for synthetic dyes without a clear understanding of the using of these.

It is now suspected that many of the synthetic dyes are carcinogenic in nature and
havoc in life systems. It's ironic that Europe that initiated the advent of
synthetic dyes in the first place woke up the dangers of these agents and turning
down for a few members of these class, proven to be harmful to life forms.

Herbal dyes however produced from floral extracts are economical and solve the above
problems. These herbal dyes are not toxic, no allergic to human health, easily
available and more economical. Some natural sources for dye produce truly exquisite
shades and economical to purchase than chemical dyes. Upto now most of the natural
dyed textiles are imported from Third World Countries and India is still a major
producer of it. Flowers of Merigold, Chinarose, Aparajita, Bougainvillia, Cineraria,
Alkanet etc have been extensively used for dyeing fabric.

An attempt has been made in Biotechnology Department of Institute Of Technology And
Marine Engineering College, Diomond Harbour, West Bengal to dyeing properties of
floral dye, shelf life of the respective dye and effect on skin.



Web Site = http://

Contact Details = ITME College
Biotechnology Department
Sarisha, Diamond Harbour, India
E-Mail: azizur.md.rahman@gmail.com
mousumi.bhowmik@gmail.com
mitun.chakraborty@gmail.com
papitasaha@yahoo.co.in