The technology was evolved by a specialised scientific team attached to Tirupur-based dyeing unit ‘Venus Herbal Process.’

“We are popularising the herbal dyes since it is eco-friendly and will not be polluting water bodies unlike in the case of traditionally used chemical dyes and bleaches when discharged,” G. Venugopal, Cluster Development Executive, Textiles Committee, told The Hindu. The herbal dyes were extracted from mango (bark of the tree), bilwan seeds, indigo, acacia plant species, fully ripen harda fruits and root of madder plant, among others.

“Each of dyes have its unique characteristics that can give shades of colours which sticks suitably on all natural fibres, making it withstand both manual and machine wash,” S. Sivamurugan, managing director of Venus Herbal Process, said.

Textiles Committee Deputy Director D. Dhandapani said that fabrics made of herbal dyes would be skin friendly and comfortable to wear.

“Moreover, use of natural materials will kept the carbon balance in the atmosphere intact,” he added.

The herbal dyes got the first major exposure when it was exhibited at the recently concluded mega textile fair organised by Kerala Government at Kannur.