The dyers circle has been created as a hub to discuss sustainable alternatives for coloration within the fashion industry. As sustainability and the uptake of more sustainable materials becomes mainstream, the lack of knowledge regarding the excessive usage of petrochemical colourants needs to change. We are here to inform and offer alternative solutions.
Many beautiful, organic materials such as organic linen or organic cotton are then dyed with synthetic dyes derived from petrochemicals; this means these petrochemicals are bonded within the core of the fibre. Needless to say, at the end of life of that fabric, these leave traces of metals and toxic chemicals and are therefore not safely biodegradable.
Many safer solutions exist for colouring textiles in an earth-centric manner and the purpose of this hub is to inform and create awareness of these methods and those who practise them professionally.
Founded by Jackie Andrews-Udall as one of the outcomes of her research into sustainable botanical colour, this hub is run on a volunteer basis and kindly hosted on CO.
We aim to bring together all the voices within the full spectrum of the colour industry, from textile technicians to growers of tinctorial plants, ethnobotanists and fashion brands. We need more collaboration to recreate a full, botanical value chain for colour, as the global supply chain for natural colours broke down around 100 years ago. From information on your local plants for dyeing, which is your local seasonal colour gamut, how can colour support biodiversity, where can you find a natural dyer, how can you pattern cloth in the most sustainable manner…you can can look HERE. Within the dyers’ circle, many experts are here to advise and support your transition to adopting botanical dyes as a safer solution for our planet.
Sustainable Fashion Strategies 