RAW MATERIALS
Throughout history, people have dyed their textiles using common, locally available materials, producing brilliant and permanent colors from plants, minerals, roots, berries, bark, leaves, seeds, and wood.
At FABORG, our dyeing process begins with carefully selecting 100% natural and authentic raw materials that are locally abundant. It ends with reusing the liquid and solid residues for organic farming purposes, ensuring a truly sustainable and zero-waste approach.
INDIGOFERA TINCTORIA
Once referred to as “Blue Gold” due to its high value, Indigo is one of the oldest known coloring agents, with evidence of indigo-dyed cloth dating back over 6,000 years. The most prized indigo historically came from India, home to the Indigofera tinctoria plant, which yields a superior quality dye.
Traditional reduction techniques for indigo, such as sodium dithionite (Na2S2O4), produce harmful by-products. Even alternative metal-based or eco-friendly reducing agents, like alpha-hydroxy ketones and glucose, have limitations. Through continuous R&D, we have developed new methods to naturally reduce indigo using plant-based reducing agents and eco-friendly alkalis.
MARIGOLD
Marigold flowers were widely used to color textiles before World War II. These flowers are phototropic, meaning they follow the sun throughout the day. Apart from their vibrant yellow hues, marigolds possess antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
We use the finest Indian Marigolds to produce rich and clear yellows—light, medium, and dark—through a standardized dyeing process.
POMEGRANATE RIND
In Hindu tradition, pomegranates symbolize prosperity and fertility and are associated with Bhoomidevi and Lord Ganesha. They also hold an important place in Ayurveda.
We source fresh pomegranate rinds from local Ayurvedic shops to create beautiful yellow and grey shades, ensuring both sustainability and superior dye quality.
MADDER
Madder, belonging to the Rubiaceae family, is one of the oldest dyes used for textiles, producing the universal red. Its roots contain alizarin, the key pigment responsible for brilliant red and scarlet hues. Additionally, madder has been historically valued for its medicinal properties, particularly as a blood purifier.
We employ genuine Indian madder root powder to create an array of colors, including light pink, brick red, orange, purple, and brown.
LAC
Lac is a resinous secretion of the Kerria lacca insect, used as a rich red dye for centuries in India and Southeast Asia. It provides deep crimson, violet, and burgundy tones.
We use lac to produce beautiful bright and deep purples.
ACACIA ARABICA
The bark of the Acacia has been traditionally used to produce Arabic gum. Although this is mainly used as a thickener and stabilizer in the food industry, it is also a fast dye on fabrics. Each part of this tree has medicinal properties- malaria, sore throat (aerial part), toothache (bark), and more. According to South Indian “witchcraft” wearing Acacia Arabica accessories keeps evil eyes away.
We employ the Arabica bark powder to produce beautiful light to dark brown and grey shades.
POMEGRANATE RIND
In Hindu tradition, pomegranates symbolize prosperity and fertility and are associated with Bhoomidevi and Lord Ganesha. They also hold an important place in Ayurveda.
We source fresh pomegranate rinds from local Ayurvedic shops to create beautiful yellow and grey shades, ensuring both sustainability and superior dye quality.
MYROBALAN / KADDUKAI
Kaddukai (Terminalia Chebula) is the primary ingredient in Triphala, a renowned Ayurvedic remedy for kidney and liver health.
It yields buttery yellow and lemon shades and, when processed differently, produces stunning blacks, greys, greens, and deep yellow hues.
ALKANET
Alkanna tinctoria, or dyer’s alkanet, is a plant known for its deep red roots. Used since antiquity in Mediterranean regions, its roots produce a fine red pigment.
However, in our process, alkanet is employed to achieve a subtle, creamy yellow shade.
MIMOSA
Mimosa tree bark is rich in tannins and provides a strong, lasting brown dye. It has been used traditionally for both leather tanning and textile dyeing.
We employ mimosa to create warm earthy browns and enhance the depth of other natural dye shades.
GALLNUT
Gallnut (oak galls) is a powerful source of tannins and has been used in natural dyeing for centuries. It acts as both a mordant and a dye, yielding soft greys and beiges.
We also use gallnut extract to enhance the depth and longevity some of natural shades.
IRON
Iron is considered a “saddening” mordant because it deepens and alters colors like reds, browns, blues, or greens. However, traditional iron mordants can make protein fibers brittle. To counter this, we use food-grade iron formulation with a neutral pH of 7, which does not release harmful sulfates or acetates. This ensures an eco-friendly and sustainable process for altering shades on natural fibers.
ALUM
Used since the 5th century BCE, alum is one of the most widely used mordants in natural dyeing. Potassium aluminum sulfate improves light and wash fastness while maintaining the vibrancy of natural dyes. Safe, inexpensive, and easy to obtain, it remains a key component of our dyeing process.
