“Exploring Eco-Friendly Fabric Dyes using Natural Pigments from Local Plants in

Cebu”

INTRODUCTION

In today's global landscape, the textile sector looms big as one of the leading

contributors to environmental pollution, owing mostly to the extensive use of synthetic

dyes packed with toxic chemicals. In accordance to (Welham, 2000), W.H. Perkin made

the first synthetic dye, known as “mauve dye” in 1856, which has a beautiful fuchsia

color, followed by P. Gries who made the first discovery of several azo dyes made

through a diazotization in 1958. Following Perkin’s discovery of mauveine, numerous

synthetic dyes were produced; many of these dyes were found to be more vibrant,

stronger tint, have superior fastness, and more reproducible in the application than

natural dyes. However, water bodies suffer aesthetic harm from the hue associated with

textile dyes (Setiadi, et al., 2006), but also blocks light from penetrating through water,

which slows the pace of photosynthesis and lowers dissolved oxygen levels, harming

the entire aquatic biota (Hassan & Carr, 2018). This study aims to make a significant

contribution to this crucial field by conducting a thorough investigation into the feasibility

and efficacy of eco-friendly fabric dyes derived from indigenous flora found in the lovely

town of Liloan, Cebu. The importance of this work is emphasized by the growing

environmental problems, which continue to rise in an era when environmental

consciousness is vital. The textile sector, as a vital component of the world economy,

has long faced criticism for its significant role in polluting our planet. Traditional textile

dyeing procedures rely primarily on synthetic dyes, many of which are generated from
petrochemical sources and include harmful compounds that endanger ecosystems and

human health.

Furthermore, the energy-intensive creation of these synthetic colors increases

the industry's carbon footprint, compounding its environmental impact. As a result, there

is an urgent need to develop alternatives that are consistent with the ideals of

environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability. One intriguing alternative to the

synthetic dyes that now dominate the market is to use natural pigments collected from

indigenous plants, which is at the center of this research. Indigenous flora frequently

conceal a dazzling spectrum of brilliant colors within their leaves, roots, and blooms, just

waiting to be released for the purpose of textile dyeing. This method not only reduces

the industry's reliance on synthetic dyes, but it also promises to reduce the industry's

carbon footprint while also lowering the discharge of dangerous pollutants into our

delicate ecosystems.

Furthermore, this effort offers an opportunity to engage local people in

sustainable farming techniques, thereby strengthening their economic resilience and

conserving time-honored traditions associated with plant-based colors. Liloan, located

peacefully along the shore of Cebu, Philippines, provides a great setting for this venture.

This lovely location has a rich ecological tapestry as well as a cultural past that is

strongly connected with traditional dyeing processes. In this context, the researchers

will look into the feasibility and possible benefits of using natural pigments derived from

local plants as eco-friendly fabric dyes. Liloan's unique combination of natural resources

and cultural heritage provides a fascinating backdrop for our investigation of sustainable

textile dyeing methods. The primary goal of this research is to assess the applicability of
natural pigments produced from indigenous plants in Liloan, Cebu, as eco-friendly fabric

dyes. The research process is divided into several stages, beginning with the

identification of native dye-yielding flora, then moving on to the intricate extraction and

utilization of their pigments, then moving on to the practical application of these natural

pigments in the dyeing process, and culminating in a thorough assessment of the

resulting dyed fabrics. This comprehensive assessment examines critical characteristics

such as color fastness, durability, and eco-friendliness, with the ultimate goal of offering

useful insights into the possible benefits and limitations of adding natural pigments into

textile dyeing processes. Furthermore, this research aims to contribute to the larger

goals of sustainable development by addressing both the environmental and

socioeconomic elements. The cultivation and use of dye-producing plants provides a

glimmer of economic hope for local communities, fostering self-sufficiency and

preserving traditional knowledge intertwined with plant-based colors. Concurrently,

reducing synthetic dye usage has the prospect of significantly reducing the textile

industry's ecological imprint, firmly aligning with worldwide efforts to address climate

change and encourage responsible consumption.

In conclusion, the expedition "Exploring Eco-Friendly Fabric Dyes Using Natural

Pigments from Local Plants in Liloan, Cebu" appears to be a relevant and necessary

one. As the researchers embark on this research journey, the researchers hope to

uncover creative and sustainable solutions that will change the textile industry. The

researchers want to be agents of a greener, more eco-conscious future by utilizing the

inherent beauty and vibrancy of nature's own colors, while simultaneously delivering

positive effects for both the environment and the communities that inhabit it. This study
aims to demonstrate that eco-friendliness and aesthetic brightness can coexist together

within the realm of textile dyeing, opening the way for a more sustainable and colorful

future.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The Green Chemistry Theory, as proposed by Dr. John Warner and Dr. Paul

Anastas (1997), suggests that to achieve the highest level of the pollution-prevention

hierarchy by eliminating pollution at its source, green chemistry attempts to design and

create chemical processes and products that are competitive in terms of cost.

Furthermore, this theory fosters the development and use of chemical goods and

methods that reduce the production and usage of hazardous substances.

As this theory is applied to natural pigmented dyes, it will deliver several benefits

to the research. These benefits include: environmental sustainability, health and safety,

biodegradability, and resource efficiency. In light of this theory, the researchers will

examine energy-efficient dyeing methods, notably, low-temperature processes and sun

dyeing to lower overall energy use. Moreover, the researchers prioritize natural pigment

sources that are renewable, sustainable, and locally accessible in line with the idea of

employing replenishable feedstocks. The need for sophisticated and resource-intensive

derivative processes will be diminished by streamlining the dyeing process.

Natural pigments are more environmentally friendly than synthetic colors made

from petrochemicals, such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes, since they frequently

come from renewable sources such as plants, insects, or minerals. Their production
often uses less hazardous chemicals, minimizing pollution and adverse environmental

effects. Workers engaged in the dyeing process and consumers who use or interact

with dyed items often find it safer to handle and use natural pigmented dyes, thus,

health and safety are improved when harmful chemical exposure is reduced.

Additionally, natural pigments frequently degrade more quickly in the environment

because of their biodegradability, which lessens the long-term environmental impact of

dyed goods, in which, adheres to the notions of reducing pollution and waste. Given that

it frequently involves the sustainable cultivation or harvesting of raw materials, the use

of natural pigments can be resource-efficient as this strategy encourages responsible

resource management and the preservation of non-renewable resources.

The researchers’ primary goal is to adopt environmentally friendly solutions that

harness the power of natural pigments while reducing the use of harmful ingredients

and waste output. This necessity is entirely in line with Green Chemistry concepts,

which advocate for the development and deployment of ecologically conscientious,

economically viable chemical processes. These principles serve as a methodical and

complete plan for the researchers’ investigations, and form the foundation of their

research framework. These ideas govern the researchers’ efforts to develop

environmentally responsible cloth dyeing techniques. The research is supported by a

comprehensive set of experiments, each meticulously substantia; and closely woven

into the design of the research. The researchers strive to reduce environmental pollution

by developing natural pigment dyeing procedures that produce less harmful waste.

Further, the researchers prioritize the efficient use of natural pigments, guaranteeing

that a significant amount of these unique ingredients contributes to the finished dyed
fabrics. For that reason, the researchers carefully pick natural pigments and mordants

that offer the fewest risks to both environment and human health, far outweighing the

environmental risks associated with typical synthetic dyes. The examination of the

ecological safety and biodegradability of chemicals used in the dyeing process, with an

emphasis on compounds with favorable environmental profiles, is a key component of

the research. Simultaneously, the researchers will investigate alternate solvents and

supplementary materials in order to reduce the environmental impact of the dyeing

process. Besides that, by exploring catalytic processes, the researchers will pursue to

reduce the amount of catalysts and energy required. The biodegradability of natural

pigments and related dyeing ingredients is crucial in our research to ensure their

environmentally benign disintegration. In accordance with Green Chemistry principles,

the implementation of real-time monitoring and control mechanisms is critical in

preventing contamination during the dyeing process.

In summary, the researchers’ research framework, founded on Green Chemistry

principles, intends to bring eco-friendly fabric dyeing techniques utilizing natural

pigments to the forefront of sustainable textile practices. By strictly adhering to these

principles, the researchers hope to contribute to a more responsible, eco-conscious,

and sustainable textile business while also exploring the exciting potential of eco-

friendly fabric dyes made from natural pigments.

Figure 1.0. IV-DV Model of?

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Type/source of The efficacy of the

Fabric dye fabric dye in terms of

Its eco-friendliness

 Why IV-DV Model?

 Discuss the I Variables?

 Discuss the D Variables?

 Discuss the relationship/significance?

Environmental sustainability has become an urgent concern in today's society,

notably in the textile and fashion industries. As consumers want more environmentally

friendly products, there is a greater need to investigate creative techniques to fabric

dyeing that minimize environmental impact. The goal of this study is to look at the

effectiveness of natural dyes collected from local plants in Liloan, Cebu, as our

independent variable (IV), in creating eco-friendly fabric dyes as our dependent variable
(DV). We hope to contribute to the larger goal of sustainable textile manufacturing by

evaluating the eco-friendliness of these fabric dyes and providing insights into a more

ecologically responsible alternative for the fashion and textile industries.

This study fits with the current global trend toward more sustainable and

environmentally sensitive activities. The research will look into the possible advantages

of using natural pigments from local flora as a source for fabric dyes. We hope to

address crucial questions about the environmental impact of textile production and the

viability of adding natural colors into the manufacturing process by doing so. This

investigation of the IV-DV relationship will be carried out using a rigorous quantitative

experimental technique, allowing us to evaluate and compare the eco-friendliness of

fabrics dyed with natural pigments vs conventional dyes.This study's findings will not

only contribute to the body of knowledge in sustainable textile production, but will also

have practical consequences for industries seeking to minimize their carbon footprint

while preserving product quality and market competitiveness.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of natural dyes extracted

from local plants in Liloan, Cebu in creating eco-friendly fabric dyes.

1. How do the natural pigmented fabric dyes compare to synthetic dyes in terms of

the following:

1.1. color intensity;

1.2. shade;
 1.3. quality?

2. What are the potential environmental and economic benefits of using natural

pigmented fabric dyes sourced from local plants in Liloan, Cebu, in fabric

production?

By answering these specific research questions, this study aims to promote and

encourage the use of eco-friendly and sustainable dyeing methods in the fabric industry,

notably in the Liloan, Cebu region and possibly in other fabric production regions

worldwide.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The researchers of this study believe that this experiment not only introduces

students to experimental design and chemistry but also raises awareness about

sustainable alternatives in fabrics. The research will be beneficial with the following:

Future researchers. The findings of the study will/can ….The result of this research

may be considered as a guide or reference for further studies.

Students. This study may aid them in preserving and promoting traditional crafts.They

can reduce the environmental impact of textile production by learning natural dyeing

methods

Consumers. This study will help them to make environmental decision and help

consumers find eco-friendly dyed clothes that suits their preference in fashion

Businessmen. May help them understand how to use local plants as natural pigments

which would reduce synthetic dyes that can be harmful to our health
Environment. This study will help utilizing eco-friendly fabric dyes and can reduce

chemical waste and water pollution caused by textile industry

SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS

Plant-based dyeing has long been a step in the creation of textiles. It has a long

history, with skills and information handed down through many generations. It is said

that Natural dyeing and mordanting were first discovered and developed by our earliest

forebears. The study will concentrate on investigating the usage of indigenous Cebu

plant-based natural pigments as eco-friendly fabric dyes. The study involves in

identifying and selecting specific local plants located in Liloan, Cebu that are known for

their pigment-rich properties. In addition, the researchers will find the best ways to

extract pigments from the chosen plants.

The researchers will take in to consideration of the following limitation of the

study:

1. The researchers will consider ethical considerations about the moral

issues of plant harvesting and cultural appropriation.

2. The researchers will need to conduct more research in order to fully

evaluate how natural dyes affect the ecosystem.

3. Weather conditions will be limited to sunny days for the extraction of

plants, to avoid any wilt on the plants that may affect the quality of the

plants.

This study's scope and constraints offer a foundation for investigating

environmentally friendly fabric dyes in Liloan, Cebu that use natural colors derived from
regional plants. Depending on the study's unique goals and the resources at hand, more

information and revisions might be required.

REFERENCES

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/

279701780_The_theory_of_dyeing_and_the_secret_of_life

https://www.scopus.com/record/display.uri?eid=2-s2.0-

85049313301&origin=inward&txGid=a1e2422d4094159a5621a9769b005933

https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?

repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=5e3be112191f4ef24dd4b9555e93fb59583eda8d