Parent Diaries

Natural dyeing sounds simple. Plants. Flowers. Roots. Leaves. Colour. But the science is much more complicated. At Miho, we work with herbal and natural colour systems because we believe clothing should be considered as more than something we simply wear. It sits against the skin, moves with the body, is washed repeatedly, and eventually returns to the environment. But that belief also comes with a responsibility:We should not call something sustainable simply because it came from a plant. Natural dyes have their own environmental challenges. Synthetic dyes have their own advantages and risks. Mordants, extraction methods, water consumption, wastewater treatment, fibre choice, durability and end-of-life all matter. So, before we celebrate the words natural dye, let's look at the harder facts. 1. Natural does not automatically mean sustainable A dye extracted from a plant is still part of a production system. That system may involve agricultural land, water, harvesting, transportation, extraction, heating, mordanting, multiple dye baths, washing, drying, wastewater treatment, packaging and transportation. If any of these stages are poorly managed, the environmental advantage of a natural dye can be significantly reduced. Research reviews on natural textile dyes repeatedly make this point: natural dyes can offer environmental advantages over some conventional dye systems, but their sustainability depends heavily on how the raw material is sourced and how the dyeing process is conducted. In other words: Natural is a material characteristic. Sustainable is a systems characteristic. 2. Dyeing is one of the resource-intensive stages of textile production We often talk about cotton, bamboo, wool and other fibres when discussing sustainable clothing. But the fibre is only part of the story. The wet-processing stage — including preparation, dyeing and finishing — can be a significant environmental hotspot. A review of sustainable natural dyeing technologies notes that dyeing and finishing require substantial quantities of water, energy and chemicals. The water required for dyeing and finishing cotton at around 125 litres per kilogram of fabric, although actual consumption varies considerably according to the process and facility. Another study examining textile dyeing facilities found average water consumption of approximately 134 ± 58 litres/kg for cotton woven dyeing and finishing, illustrating just how variable industrial processes can be. This is why simply replacing a synthetic dye with a plant dye does not automatically make a textile process sustainable. The dye bath itself has to be considered. 3. Synthetic dyes are not the only problem — but they are a significant one Synthetic dyes revolutionised textile production. They offered reproducible colours, high colour strength, excellent shade consistency, relatively predictable performance and large-scale production. But many synthetic dyes are petrochemical-derived, and textile dyeing can involve dyes, salts, alkalis, surfactants, fixing agents and other auxiliaries. Wastewater from textile dyeing may contain colour, organic compounds, salts, auxiliary chemicals and other contaminants. Poorly treated effluent can therefore place significant pressure on aquatic ecosystems. The problem isn't simply that wastewater looks coloured. Even very low concentrations of some dyes can alter water transparency and interfere with light penetration, potentially affecting aquatic photosynthesis. This is one reason wet processing deserves much more attention when we talk about sustainable fashion. 4. But here's the uncomfortable truth about natural dyes: they can pollute too A plant-based dye bath can still generate wastewater. Depending on the recipe, it may contain plant-derived organic matter, extraction residues, mordants, salts, pH-altering substances, unfixed colour compounds, detergents or auxiliaries. Historically, natural dyeing also used metal mordants such as iron, copper, chromium and other metal salts.Modern research continues to examine the environmental implications of these mordants and the potential of plant-derived bio-mordants as alternatives. So the meaningful question isn't: “Is the dye natural?” It is: “What exactly goes into the dye bath, and where does it go afterwards?” 5. Mordants are the part of natural dyeing most people never hear about A mordant is essentially a substance that helps a dye interact with a fibre and can improve colour strength and fastness. Historically and technically, mordants have included materials such as alum, iron salts, copper salts, tin salts, chromium compounds and their chemistry is fascinating! But their environmental implications cannot simply be ignored. Metal-containing mordants can enter wastewater, which is why researchers are investigating biomordants derived from tannins, plant materials and agricultural by-products. Interestingly, some studies have demonstrated that plant-derived biomordants can improve the colour and fastness performance of natural dyes while potentially reducing dependence on conventional metal mordants. This is an area where traditional knowledge and modern textile science can work together. 6. Even natural dyes can have a large water footprint Water can be required for: cleaning the fibre scouring preparing the dye material extracting the colour dyeing washing rinsing mordanting finishing The actual water requirement varies dramatically depending on the fibre, dye, equipment, liquor ratio and number of baths. This is why one should be cautious about publishing a single universal number for “water used by natural dyeing.” The better question is: How much water does this particular process use, and how much can be recovered, reused or treated? 7. Natural dyes are chemically complex A natural dye is rarely one single molecule. Plant materials can contain mixtures of flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, quinones, carotenoids, indigoids, other phenolic and organic compounds. This complexity is part of what makes natural colour so beautiful — and also why it can be difficult to standardise. Colour can change depending on plant species, plant variety, growing conditions, harvest time, soil, extraction method, water chemistry, pH, temperature, dye concentration, fibre type, mordant, oxidation conditions, etc. Scientific reviews identify shade reproducibility, fibre affinity and colour fastness as some of the major challenges limiting the wider industrial adoption of natural dyes. That beautiful variation we appreciate in craft is therefore also a technical challenge for large-scale manufacturing. 8. “Natural” doesn't mean “non-toxic” Natural substances can have biological activity. Some plants contain compounds that can irritate skin or cause allergic reactions. Historical dyeing practices have also used substances that would not necessarily meet modern safety expectations. Therefore: Natural ≠ automatically safe. The same principle applies to synthetic substances. The scientifically responsible approach is to evaluate the actual material, concentration, exposure pathway and safety profile rather than judging something purely by whether its source is natural or synthetic. This is especially relevant for children's clothing, where textiles can remain in prolonged contact with the skin. 9. But natural dyes can offer more than colour Some natural dye compounds have demonstrated biological activities in laboratory and textile studies. Research examining dyes such as: madder indigo eucalyptus annatto weld has reported potential properties including antibacterial and UV-protective activity, with some studies also reporting antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effects. The activity of a compound in a laboratory extract is not equivalent to proving that the same compound remains on a finished garment, transfers to skin in a meaningful amount, remains biologically active, and produces a measurable health benefit during normal wear. This is precisely why textile science needs analytical testing. 10. Natural fibres matter too A natural dye cannot be considered independently from the fibre. Cotton, wool, silk, linen, bamboo-derived cellulosic fibres and synthetic fibres behave differently during dyeing. Protein fibres such as wool and silk generally have greater affinity for many natural dyes than cellulosic fibres, while cotton and other cellulosic fibres can require additional preparation or mordanting to achieve satisfactory results. So when evaluating a textile, the complete system matters: Fibre + preparation + dye + extraction + mordant + water + energy + finishing + wastewater + end-of-life.   11. And then there are synthetic fibres There is another reason fibre choice matters. Polyester, nylon and other synthetic fibres are plastic-based materials. The European Environment Agency identifies wearing and washing synthetic textiles as a recognised source of microplastic pollution. Estimates suggest that 200,000–500,000 tonnes of textile microplastic fibres enter the global marine environment each year. The EEA also notes that synthetic textiles account for a substantial share of textile-related microplastic emissions and that fibres can be released during manufacturing, use, washing and disposal. This does not mean that every natural fibre is automatically environmentally superior in every situation. Natural fibres also have environmental footprints. But it does mean that fibre selection is part of the sustainability conversation — not an afterthought. 12. Natural dyes can also have a hidden land-use problem Imagine a plant suddenly becoming extremely fashionable as a dye source. Demand increases. More land is cultivated. More plants are harvested. Transportation increases. Wild populations may be affected. The same principle that applies to food, timber and medicinal plants applies here: Renewable does not mean unlimited. Research into sustainable natural dyeing therefore increasingly looks at alternative sources such as agricultural waste and by-products, which can potentially create colour without requiring dedicated cultivation of every dye crop. That is a much more interesting direction for circular textile systems. Waste becoming colour. 13. Even the extraction process matters A plant may be natural. But extracting its colour can require heat, water, electricity, mechanical processing, concentration, drying and solvents. Therefore, the environmental impact of a dye cannot be understood simply by looking at the plant growing in the field. The entire extraction pathway matters. Researchers are investigating techniques such as ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted and enzymatic extraction to reduce some of the resource requirements associated with conventional extraction. This is where traditional botanical knowledge meets modern process engineering. 14. Colour fastness is not a dirty word Natural dyes are often criticised for fading. And sometimes, they do. But fading itself isn't necessarily a failure. What matters is whether the product is designed honestly for its intended use. Research reviews identify colour fastness as one of the major technical challenges of natural dyeing. At Miho, we believe consumers deserve to know this. A responsible natural-dye brand shouldn't promise: “It will never fade.” It should explain: “This is how the colour behaves, this is how to care for it, and this is why.” 15. So, are natural dyes better? The honest answer is: Sometimes. Natural dyes can reduce dependence on petrochemical-derived colourants and may offer opportunities for renewable sourcing, agricultural by-products, biomordants and lower-impact production systems. But natural dyes can also involve substantial water, energy, land, extraction and wastewater considerations. Scientific literature therefore does not support the simplistic equation: Natural = sustainable. Instead: Responsible sourcing + appropriate chemistry + efficient processing + safe fixation + wastewater management + durable products = a more credible approach to sustainable coloration. 16. What this means for Ayurvastra Ayurvastra sits at an interesting intersection. It brings together: Ayurveda + textiles + botanical materials + traditional knowledge + modern manufacturing. But if Ayurvastra is going to become more than a beautiful concept, it needs scientific discipline. We believe in the knowledge carried by Indian textile traditions. We also believe that tradition deserves better than being reduced to marketing language. Our approach to Ayurvastra is therefore not: “Herbal means magical.” It is: “Let's understand what the herbs are doing.” Because the future of sustainable clothing will not be built by choosing between tradition and science. It will be built by putting them in conversation. The Hard Fact: Sustainability cannot be printed onto a garment label. Sustainability is a chain of decisions.   What we grow. What we harvest. What we extract. What we add. What we heat. What we wash. What we discharge. What stays on the fabric. How long the garment lasts. And where it goes when we are finished with it. At Miho, we believe that is the conversation worth having. References European Environment Agency. (2022). Microplastics from textiles: Towards a circular economy for textiles in Europe. European Environment Agency. European Environment Agency. (2022). Plastic in textiles: Towards a circular economy for synthetic textiles in Europe. European Environment Agency. European Environment Agency. (2025). What are the environmental impacts of the textile industry? European Environment Agency. United Nations Environment Programme. (2020). Sustainability and circularity in the textile value chain: Global stocktaking. UNEP. Benkhaya, S., M'rabet, S., & El Harfi, A. (2023). Advancements in sustainable natural dyes for textile applications: A review. Molecules, 28(16), 5954. Islam, S., Belowar, S., Das, S., Rahamatolla, M., & Datta, S. C. (2025). Chemistry of natural and synthetic dye materials with metal mordants in various fabrics for sustainable textile applications: A comprehensive review. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 32, 25511–25540. Cardoso, R. M., et al. (2023). Chromatic and medicinal properties of six natural textile dyes: A review of eucalyptus, weld, madder, annatto, indigo and woad. Heliyon. Bio-mordants: A review. (2024). Environmental Science and Pollution Research. Role of mordants in natural fabric dyeing and their environmental impacts. (2025). Environmental Science and Pollution Research. Resource utilization in the sub-sectors of the textile industry: Opportunities for sustainability. (2024).

A Scientific & Evidence-Based Perspective At first glance, Ayurvedic clothing may appear simple but beneath its minimal aesthetic lies a system rooted in botany, material science and traditional medicine. In Ayurvastra, herbs are not added randomly for color. They are selected based on documented phytochemical properties, historical use and emerging textile research. 1. Herbal Dyeing Is a Functional Textile Process, Not Just Coloring Modern research in textile science confirms that plant-based dyes can do more than impart color. Studies show that herbal dyes can act as: • Biomordants (natural binding agents) • Functional finishes (adding properties like antimicrobial or UV protection) • Non-toxic alternatives to synthetic dyes Unlike synthetic dyes, which are primarily petrochemical-based, herbal dyes are: • Biodegradable • Derived from renewable plant sources • Less likely to produce harmful effluents This aligns closely with Ayurvastra’s foundational idea: color is secondary, function is primary. 2. Scientific Evidence: Herbal-Dyed Fabrics Can Show Antimicrobial Activity One of the strongest areas of research around Ayurvastra-like systems is antimicrobial performance. A 2024 study on linen fabrics dyed with neem, tulsi and turmeric extracts found: • Neem & tulsi dyed fabrics reduced bacteria by over 95% • Turmeric showed ~89% bacterial reduction • Tested against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli using standard textile methods This is significant because: • These bacteria are commonly associated with skin infections • Textile surfaces can act as carriers of microbes Similarly, other studies on neem-treated fabrics show: • Antibacterial and even mosquito-repellent properties in textile applications This suggests that herbal dyeing can add functional value to fabric, beyond aesthetics. 3. Phytochemicals: Why Herbs Behave This Way The effectiveness of herbal dyes comes from phytochemicals, natural compounds found in plants. These include Flavonoids, Tannins, Alkaloids and Polyphenols. Scientific studies show these compounds can have: • Antimicrobial effects • Antioxidant activity • Anti-inflammatory potential When fabrics are dyed using herbal decoctions, traces of these compounds can remain associated with the fibre. This is what transforms a dyed fabric into a “functional textile.” 4. Ayurvastra-Specific Studies Emerging research directly on Ayurvastra indicates: • Fabrics treated with Ayurvedic formulations like Triphala, Manjishta and Dashamula show antimicrobial activity • These textiles are being explored as eco-friendly alternatives to chemically treated fabrics However, it is important to be clear: most studies are still Small-scale, Lab-based and focused on textile properties (not clinical outcomes). This means Ayurvastra is best understood as a supportive, functional textile system, not a medical treatment. 5. The Science Gap: Why It’s Hard to “Prove” Ayurvastra Fully A key challenge lies in measurement systems. Modern science evaluates Isolated compounds, controlled dosages and short-term outcomes. Ayurveda, on the other hand, works through: • Synergy of multiple ingredients • Long-term, repeated exposure • Whole-body balance Even textile research acknowledges this gap, suggesting: • More clinical investigations on wearer benefits are needed • Current evidence focuses mainly on material properties This is why Ayurvastra often falls into a category of: “Scientifically plausible, partially validated, but not fully quantified.” 6. Not All Natural Dyeing Is Ayurvastra Natural Dyeing Ayurvastra Focus on sustainability, Focus on body + sustainability Uses plant color sources, Uses medicinally relevant herbs Aesthetic-driven Function + philosophy-driven May include additives, Avoids unnecessary chemicals Ayurvastra is not just about what is removed (chemicals), but about what is intentionally added (herbal systems). 7. Relevance for Children’s Clothing From a scientific standpoint, children: • Have more permeable and sensitive skin • Sweat more during activity • Spend longer hours in contact with clothing This makes textile properties like: • Breathability • Chemical load • Microbial interaction more relevant in daily wear. While Ayurvastra does not replace medical care, it can: • Reduce exposure to harsh chemical dyes • Offer breathable, natural-fibre environments • Potentially support skin comfort through cleaner textiles 8. A Balanced Conclusion The role of herbs in Ayurvedic dyeing is not mythical, it is partially supported by textile science, phytochemistry and sustainability research. What we know today: ✔️ Herbal dyes can be non-toxic and eco-friendly ✔️ They can add antimicrobial and functional properties to fabrics ✔️ Ayurvastra shows early promising results What we are still exploring: • Long-term effects on the human body • Degree of absorption through skin • Clinical validation at scale Key Takeaway Ayurvedic clothing is never random because it operates at the intersection of : • Traditional knowledge (Ayurveda) • Material science (textiles) • Plant chemistry (phytochemicals) Herbs in dyeing are not just for color, they are part of a functional, intentional system. At Miho, this system is not presented as a cure, but as a more thoughtful, science-aligned way of creating everyday clothing.

Most clothes begin in a factory. Ayurvastra begins in a field. Before it becomes something your child runs in, sleeps in or curls into on a quiet afternoon or night, it has already lived many lives, as a plant, as colour, as earth. Understanding the lifecycle of Ayurvastra is understanding that clothing does not have to be disposable. It can be circular. Gentle. Intentional. The Origin Every Ayurvastra garment begins with nature. The fibre may come from: Cotton or any other fibre like hemp or linen grown in soil Bamboo cultivated sustainably Wool sourced responsibly The colour comes from: Leaves Roots Bark Flowers Seeds Unlike synthetic dyes that are manufactured in chemical plants, herbal dyes are extracted through decoctions, slow processes that release natural pigments and plant properties into water. Before anything touches you or your loved one, it has already been part of the earth. The Making Process In conventional textile systems, dyeing is fast and industrial. In Ayurvastra, it is patient. The fabric is: Washed and prepared Soaked repeatedly in herbal extracts Dried naturally Treated without synthetic fixatives There are no heavy chemical binders forcing colour into fibres. Instead, the process allows fabric to absorb what it can naturally. The remaining herbal water is not toxic waste. It can return to the soil. This is not just sustainability. It is responsibility. The Garment This fabric is then shaped into clothing designed for everyday life. Ayurvastra is not created for: Fast fashion cycles Seasonal trends One-time wear It is created for: Daily movement Sensitive skin Warm climates Long hours of comfort The garment becomes a second skin - light, breathable, unobtrusive. For children especially, this matters: they do not need clothes that demand attention. They need clothes that quietly support their changing adaptive bodies. Our Child This is where the garment fulfills its purpose. A child Runs in it, sweats in it, Sleeps in it and Grows in it. The fabric softens with wear. It adapts to movement. It becomes familiar. Unlike heavily processed textiles, Ayurvastra clothing does not carry layers of synthetic coatings that break down into micro-particles. Instead, it remains close to what it was, nature meeting skin. According to Ayurveda, daily contact matters. Small exposures accumulate. Comfort builds gradually. Ayurvastra lives in that quiet accumulation. To Earth Every garment eventually reaches the end of its active life. In a fast-fashion system, this means landfill. In a conscious system, it means return. As Ayurvastra garments are made from Natural fibres and Herbal dyes, they can decompose more safely than synthetic blends. What once came from soil can return to it. The lifecycle closes. So does the dyeing water and dye substance, all as the Earth. Why This Matters Today The global fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world. Synthetic fibres shed microplastics. Chemical dyes contaminate soil and water systems. With Landfills, don’t event get me started! Our children will inherit this system even though they did not build it. Choosing Ayurvastra does not solve everything. But it interrupts the cycle. We at Miho, ask: Can clothing be slower? Can colour be cleaner? Can comfort coexist with responsibility? The answer, gently, is yes. More Than Sustainability, It Is Continuity Ayurvastra is not just eco-friendly clothing. It is continuity. It reminds us that what we wear is not separate from nature. It is part of it. A part of us. And when children grow up wearing clothing that respects this cycle, they learn something wordless but powerful: Care is circular The lifecycle story of Ayurvastra is not about perfection. It is about conscious participation. Participating in: Slower processes Cleaner dyeing Natural fibres Thoughtful design At Miho, we do not create garments to be consumed. We create them to belong, briefly, to you, your child, before they gently return to the earth.

As consumers become more eco-conscious, brands around the world are embracing sustainability to meet demand to align with environmental values. Partnering with sustainable clothing manufacturers and eco-friendly clothing suppliers as a lifestyle fashion brand is no longer just a trend but a necessity for thriving in the evolving market. Here are four key elements that can help revolutionize your clothing brand by going green: Transparent Supply Chains Today's consumers demand to know where their clothes come from. Working with sustainable clothing manufacturers ensures that your supply chain is ethical and transparent, from sourcing raw materials to final production. Transparency builds trust and adds value to your brand, appealing to environmentally conscious customers. Eco-Friendly Fabrics and Dyes One of the defining aspects of sustainable manufacturing is the use of organic and biodegradable materials such as bamboo, hemp, wool, recycled cotton, linen, silk, and organic cotton. Additionally, eco-friendly clothing suppliers often rely on non-toxic, Azo-free, herbal, or plant-based dyes that are kind to the environment and safe for human skin. How It Helps Your Brand: Reducing the carbon footprint of your products. Offering consumers skin-safe, breathable, and long-lasting fabrics. Attracting environmentally conscious buyers who prioritize wellness. Waste Reduction and Circular Fashion Sustainability is about more than just materials—it's also about minimizing waste and its management. Many sustainable clothing manufacturers focus on waste reduction through processes like upcycling, recycling, and zero-waste designs. One may also integrate systems like, buying backs, thrifting, exchanges, or regulated industrial decomposition. Circular fashion, which promotes reuse and recycling of garments, is becoming a crucial part of sustainable branding. How It Helps Your Brand: Enhancing your brand’s environmental credibility. Differentiating your products in a competitive market. Overall reduced foot print. Compliance with Global Sustainability Standards Working with sustainable clothing manufacturers often means adhering to globally recognized certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Fair Trade, or OEKO-TEX. SThese certifications reassure consumers that your brand is committed to ethical and sustainable practices. How It Helps Your Brand: Boosting your brand’s marketability in global markets. Positioning your brand as a leader in responsible fashion. The shift toward sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a critical response to consumer demand and environmental challenges. By partnering with sustainable clothing manufacturers and eco-friendly clothing suppliers, you can revolutionize your brand, gain a competitive edge, and contribute to a better future. Embrace these four elements and align your brand with the values of the modern, eco-conscious shopper.