Researchers explore sisal leaf waste as plant-based cotton dye

Researchers in Coimbatore are investigating sisal leaf waste as a plant-based dye for cotton, potentially converting an agricultural waste stream with little commercial value into a textile coloration resource. The work could provide an additional use for sisal-processing residues while offering cotton manufacturers an alternative to synthetic colourants.

The research forms part of wider efforts to develop plant-based and lower-impact approaches to textile dyeing. For commercial use, however, sisal-derived colourants would need to demonstrate consistent shades, adequate colour fastness and scalability beyond laboratory or trial conditions. These factors remain important considerations for textile mills seeking reliable alternatives for industrial dyeing.

The research is currently at the trial stage, with no reported buyer commitments, commercial production volumes or factory partnerships. Further fastness testing and pilot-scale dyeing will be needed to assess its industrial potential. The study is published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports and contributes to ongoing research into waste-derived materials for more sustainable textile dyeing and processing.