What are the steps of Natural Dyeing?
- Colorant Preparation: We prepare our pigments from natural resources such as plants, fruits, insects, and minerals. The pigment is then soaked in hot water for at least an hour, depending on the desired color.
- Fiber Preparation: Fibers and fabrics are cleaned and soaked in mordants to facilitate the fixation of dyes.
- Dyeing: Prepared fibers and fabrics are immersed in a bath of natural dye, where they absorb the pigment to achieve the desired color. We reuse the same baths multiple times by simply adjusting the dye concentration in the water to minimize water consumption at Heliodor.
- Washing: After dyeing, fibers and fabrics are washed to remove any excess dye.
What are the benefits of Natural Dyeing?
- Eco-friendly: Reduces the release of harmful pollutants into the environment, thereby minimizing water and soil pollution.
- Durable: A vast majority of natural dyes, such as those from plants and insects, are renewable and can be grown or harvested sustainably.
- Biodegradable: Natural dyes break down more easily than synthetic dyes, making them environmentally friendly.
- Health Benefits: Natural dyes are less likely to cause skin irritations, allergies, or respiratory problems associated with synthetic dyes and chemicals.
- Hypoallergenic: Fabrics dyed with natural dyes are less likely to trigger allergies or skin sensitivities, making them suitable for people with sensitive skin.