The use of non-allergic, non-toxic and eco-friendly natural dyes
has become a matter of significant importance due to the increased
environmental awareness in order to avoid some hazardous synthetic
dyes. Dyes are applied to various substrates (textiles, leather, paper,
hair etc.) from liquid in which they are completely, or at least partially
soluble [1], and may require a mordant to improve its fastness on the
fibre. Curcuma longa, commonly known as Turmeric is a tropical
perennial herb belonging to the family Zingiberacea. It is related to
ginger and is grown throughout India, other parts of Asia and Africa
[2]. Turmeric is commonly used as a spice and result in a bright yellow
powder valued as a natural food dye [3]. Plant by-products (carrot,
onion, black carrot, sage, spinach and thyme) were investigated in the
form of aqueous extracts for dyeing capacity on fibres, colorant and
antioxidant potential using colorimetric, chromatographic tools, and
FTC assay, respectively.