Optimising Process of Natural Dyeing of Cotton with Annatto Seeds (Bixa orellana) Using Natural Mordants

The research focused on optimizing the process of natural dyeing of cotton using Annatto seeds (Bixa orellana), a vibrant yellow-orange dye derived from plant sources. The study aimed to enhance the sustainability and color fastness of cotton textiles by exploring various factors such as dye extraction time, dye amount, dyeing time, mordanting techniques, and mordant types. Natural mordants including alum, aloe vera gel, lemon juice, tamarind leaves, and harda powder were selected for their eco-friendly properties. The study revealed several key findings. First, the optimal dye extraction time for Annatto seeds was found to be 15 minutes, yielding the highest absorption rate. Similarly, the most efficient dye amount was 15 grams, and the ideal dyeing time was 45 minutes. Among the natural mordants, alum (4 grams) was most effective, followed by tamarind leaves (2 grams), which contributed to the brightest colors and best dye absorption. Pre-mordanting methods were more effective than post-mordanting, especially when using tamarind leaves and harda, which showed the highest dye absorption rates. The results emphasize the importance of optimizing the dyeing process to improve resource efficiency and enhance the ecological sustainability of textile production. The optimized conditions proposed in this study—using 15 grams of Annatto dye, 4 grams of alum, and dyeing for 45 minutes—can serve as a guideline for more sustainable cotton dyeing practices in the textile industry, reducing both material waste and environmental impact.