Green Textile Innovation: Silk Dyeing with Temple Floral Waste

Abstract

The disposal of temple floral waste, including marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) flowers, into water bodies contributes significantly to river pollution. This study presents a novel and eco-friendly approach for utilizing marigold floral waste as a natural dye for silk fabrics, eliminating the need for chemical solvents in the dyeing process. The aqueous extraction method was employed to obtain the dye, highlighting its sustainability and alignment with green chemistry principles. The dyeing process was conducted on 100% silk fabrics under optimized conditions (30 to 80°C). The dyed fabrics exhibited vibrant and uniform coloration, which was analyzed using a Colorimeter to determine L*, a*, and b* values. The results demonstrated high color fastness, with the surface color remaining intact even after a 30-minute washing cycle at 60°C. This is the first study to successfully utilize marigold floral waste for silk dyeing without the use of chemical solvents, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes. By repurposing temple waste and avoiding harmful chemicals, this method addresses environmental concerns associated with both floral waste disposal and textile dye pollution. The findings highlight the potential of this innovative approach for sustainable textile coloration while contributing to waste management and pollution reduction.