Waste from eucalyptus wood steaming as a natural dye source for textile fibers

Natural dyes are gaining interest due their expected low risk to human health and the environment and biodegradability. In addition, there are ever-growing potential new sources of natural dyes in the form of production waste products that merit consideration for coloration of materials such as textiles. Thus, an innovative approach to waste minimization through source reduction has emerged. In the present study, the potential for using colored liquid waste produced in the steam treatment of eucalyptus wood as a natural coloring matter for textile fabrics was investigated. Specifically, eucalyptus wood extract was used to dye cotton, nylon and wool in an exhaust dyeing process without the addition of the traditional mordanting agents. The resulting dyed fabrics were evaluated for color fastness and it was found that wash fastness of eucalyptus wood processing waste dyed fabrics was very good, while light fastness was typical of natural dyes in the absence of mordants. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.