A Survey of traditional natural dye practice of Sri Lanka Today: A possible path pointing towards the development of the natural dye industry

Abstract

Aim: The objective is to find the traditional practices in natural dye in society, which can be applied to today’s fashion industry. Natural dyeing is relatively compared with synthetic dye competency. The long extraction process, moderate colourfastness to wash and light, and non-availability in bulk quantities are considered natural dyeing issues; this creates the most demanding research areas today. Most of the current Natural dye practitioners use heavy metal chemicals as fixing agents to achieve brighter hues which seriously affects environmental wellbeing. Today, the fashion industry pays attention to sustainability in garments which has become a key industry parameter.Method: Primary data was gathered from field visits, descriptive interviews with natural dye practitioners who have long been practised natural dyeing. The dyeing of Buddhist robe and black clay dyeing are the two methods that have been practised since ancient times. Traditional natural dye substances, mordants, fixing agents, washing methods, and drying methods are recorded.Findings: It was found that plants with different types of secretory products like milky sap, tannin such exudations and mud dyeing are good fixing agents to achieve brighter hues.Implications/Novel Contribution: In this research paper, we forward the real notion of natural dyeing, which can be suggested as a unique selling point in marketing naturally dyed products.