Young coco husk extract yields red to maroon color
The Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) has a new addition to its natural dye collection with the discovery of “red to maroon” color from young coconut husk extract that can be used to beautify silk, piña seda and piña.
The PTRI, an agency under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), said studies showed that young coconut husk extract imparts red to maroon color on silk, piña seda and piña while it produces an old rose color on cotton.
“The colorfastness to laundering and light ratings of the dyed materials are satisfactory for all these types of material used,” PTRI said in a statement.
“This capability to impart red color is a welcome treat for dyers who are in great dependence on the non-colorfast red color from sibukao (Caesalpinnia sappan),” it added.
PTRI studies also revealed that young coconut husks sourced from different locations produce varying shades.
“It was found that coconuts from high elevations yield almost no color compared with coconuts from coastal and low lying areas,” the PTRI said.
“The valuable red color it provides might just be the elusive source of stable and colorfast red color for locally produced and woven organic materials in the
The PTRI said the emerging natural dye industry would run complimentary to the National Coconut Agenda, as it does not compete with the food and health sector in the use of coconut.
The Young Coconut Husk Extraction and Textile Application Technology was piloted using various materials, including parts of the Bahaghari and kaLIKHAsan Collections of Kingsmen Corp. and Mariana Fashion Apparels, respectively, the PTRI said.
“This new use of young coconut husks offers additional income from what was formerly considered as waste. Likewise, compulsory chopping before extraction facilitates rapid decomposition of the byproduct unlike halved young husks that endanger the waterways and drainage systems because they take long time to decompose,” the PTRI said. – Helen Flores
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