Natural dyes from Diospyros Mollis: A sustainable alternative for the textile industry

The textile industry is a major contributor to environmental pollution, particularly due to the use of synthetic dyes which highly release color in wastewater. This study investigates the potential of Diospyros Mollis Griff., a plant traditionally used for dyeing in Southeast Asia, as a source of natural dyes. By employing Soxhlet extraction techniques, this research aimed to enhance dye production efficiency and assess the performance of dyes extracted from both fresh and dried berries. Ethanol was used as a solvent, optimizing extraction conditions and achieving a higher dye yield from fresh berries compared to dried ones. The dyed silk was evaluated for colorfastness, ultraviolet (UV) protection and antibacterial activity. Results indicated that fabrics dyed with fresh Diospyros Mollis exhibited superior color intensity and fastness properties, making them suitable for commercial applications. Additionally, both dye types provided excellent UV protection, highlighting the functional benefits of natural dyes. This research supports sustainable practices in the textile industry by promoting the use of environmentally friendly dyeing alternatives.