Solvent dyeing of cotton with reactive dyes: a sustainable innovation in textile processing

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the process of solvent dyeing cotton using reactive dyes as a sustainable alternative to traditional water-based dyeing operations. The goal is to give a view of its viability, constraints, potential contribution and further research scopes to the current textile processing. Design/methodology/approach This study has a literature review and interpretative analysis approach. Existing studies regarding dyeing of cotton fabric by reactive dye in solvent media to evaluate technological performance, environment impact and feasibility. Findings Solvent-based dyeing techniques show promise in reducing water usage, enhancing dye fixation, energy saving and lowering wastewater discharge. However, concerns regarding the toxicity of solvents, the solubility of the dye, scalability and the flexibility of the process remain significant challenges to technological development. Research limitations/implications The discussion is confined to available literature and does not encompass empirical verification. Additional techno-economic and lifecycle analysis is required. Practical implications Solvent dyeing has the potential to transform textile processing’s utilization of resources, provided that safety and scalability issues are addressed. Social implications Eco-friendly dyeing processes can lead to less environmental footprint and better ecological compliance in textile-producing countries. Originality/value Unlike traditional assessments, this review places importance on the sustainability model and presents a thorough analysis of the feasibility of solvent dyeing in the cotton industry.