Fashion for Good
(Source: Linda Bulic/Fashion for Good)
A digital tool enabling partners to choose sustainable dyestuff based on competitive performance and environmental metrics for commercial use has been launched by Fashion for Good. The Dyestuff Library, which will accelerate the shift from harmful chemistry to more sustainable options by enabling visibility and access to innovations, is supported by Fashion for Good’s corporate partners, along with other supporting stakeholders.
Textile dyes were derived from nature before synthetic dyes, discovered by WH Perkin in 1856, revolutionized the textile industry. Annually, over 10,000 tons of synthetic dyes are used by textile industries, but the toxic effects and the ecological impact are extremely harmful to humans and the environment. Over the years, a significant amount of effort has gone into phasing out harmful chemistry and there are consistent efforts to develop non-hazardous chemistry. Today, many alternative dyes from natural sources such as plants, micro-organisms, algae and recycled materials are available, however the lack of clarity on their performance and scale makes it difficult for the industry to switch to these sustainable options.
Over the course of a year, 15 selected dyestuff innovations will participate in lab and pilot trials. Innovators will go through extensive compliance and toxicity testing to ensure they are safe for commercial use. Testing and validating the performance of these innovative dyes and pigments on various textile substrates will be supported by supply chain partners. Furthermore, participating Fashion for Good partners, textile experts and ZDHC will support this project with their expertise and encourage next steps for industry implementation.
After the completion of the project, Fashion for Good, Amsterdam/Netherlands, will continue developing the library with additional innovators, materials, fabric constructions, testing methods and innovative coloration machineries to enable innovation implementation in the fashion industry.
Textile dyes were derived from nature before synthetic dyes, discovered by WH Perkin in 1856, revolutionized the textile industry. Annually, over 10,000 tons of synthetic dyes are used by textile industries, but the toxic effects and the ecological impact are extremely harmful to humans and the environment. Over the years, a significant amount of effort has gone into phasing out harmful chemistry and there are consistent efforts to develop non-hazardous chemistry. Today, many alternative dyes from natural sources such as plants, micro-organisms, algae and recycled materials are available, however the lack of clarity on their performance and scale makes it difficult for the industry to switch to these sustainable options.
Over the course of a year, 15 selected dyestuff innovations will participate in lab and pilot trials. Innovators will go through extensive compliance and toxicity testing to ensure they are safe for commercial use. Testing and validating the performance of these innovative dyes and pigments on various textile substrates will be supported by supply chain partners. Furthermore, participating Fashion for Good partners, textile experts and ZDHC will support this project with their expertise and encourage next steps for industry implementation.
After the completion of the project, Fashion for Good, Amsterdam/Netherlands, will continue developing the library with additional innovators, materials, fabric constructions, testing methods and innovative coloration machineries to enable innovation implementation in the fashion industry.
