AMA Herbal Group introduces a sustainable alternative to indigo dye

India’s AMA Herbal Group is set to transform the indigo dyeing industry with the launch of Bio Indigo PReR, a biochemically modified pre-reduced natural indigo in liquid form. This innovative product aims to provide a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional synthetic liquid indigo, which typically involves hazardous chemicals and extensive water usage.

Bio Indigo PReR is produced through a safer and simpler process. Natural indigo leaves are placed in a water-filled fermentation tank, where they release the precursor molecule indican. This glucoside is hydrolyzed to form soluble indoxyl. Specific bacteria and fungi are added to this mixture to achieve the necessary reduction, followed by the addition of biostabilizers to maintain the reduced form.

Yawer Ali Shah, founder and CEO of AMA Herbal Group, highlights the environmental and economic benefits of Bio Indigo. The natural production process significantly reduces energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and water usage. Additionally, it offers economic opportunities for farmers in countries like India, Bangladesh, and Japan, where indigo-rich plants are cultivated and traditional dyeing techniques are practiced.

Bio Indigo PReR integrates seamlessly with existing dyeing systems and simplifies logistics, as it does not require airtight packing. Although fabrics dyed with Bio Indigo cost 15-20% more than those dyed with synthetic indigo, Shah emphasizes that the environmental benefits justify the additional expense.