a b s t r a c t
The types of dyestuff that are used by tanneries generally vary depending on the product range needed along with the dictates of the fashion world. It is a fact that each tannery uses between 50 and 100 different types of dyestuffs. Leather industry primarily uses dyestuffs such as acid, basic, metal complex, reactive and sulfur dyes. Many of the synthetic dyes used for leather dyeing are difficult to degrade due
to their complex structure and xenobiotic properties. Hence, there is a need for development of more degradable or natural materials for use as a coloring agent for leathers, which would eco benign. Thus, the present study aims at extraction of color from Bixa orellana seeds and employing the same in dyeing and finishing of leather. The leathers dyed and finished using the natural dye extract showed better coloring
properties. It is the first time, where this material is reported for their use in leather processing.