Assessing the financial and environmental impact of natural dyes and mordants: ROI and sustainability metrics in sonication-assisted dyeing

The growing environmental consciousness in the textile dyeing industry has led to an increased interest in natural dyes as sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes, which are often toxic and harmful to the environment. However, the use of metallic mordants in natural dyeing processes raises concerns about their overall eco-friendliness. This study investigates the dyeing of cotton knit fabrics using dyes extracted from Marigold flowers, coupled with the use of lime juice as a natural mordant. Various techniques and equipment were employed to assess the dyeing outcomes, focusing on colorfastness, dye uptake, and overall fabric quality. While the natural mordant showed slight fading in wash fastness tests, the staining properties were notably strong, suggesting its potential for effective dye fixation. The results demonstrate that lime juice is a viable natural mordant for enhancing the dyeing properties of Marigold-based dyes, offering an eco-friendly alternative in textile dyeing practices. The study's ROI analysis demonstrates that the initial investment in sonication technology is offset by long-term cost savings, enhanced productivity, and the ability to market eco-friendly textiles at a premium.