Fashion for Good has launched the Dyestuff Library, a digital tool designed to help partners choose sustainable dyestuff for commercial use.

The library provides visibility and access to sustainable innovations, accelerating the shift towards more environmentally friendly options. The project is supported by a group of Fashion for Good’s corporate partners including Inditex, bonprix, Target, Patagonia, adidas, BESTSELLER, Otto International, Paradise Textiles, Welspun, and Shahi Exports, as well as other stakeholders.

Traditionally, textile dyes were derived from natural sources before synthetic dyes revolutionised the industry. However, the annual use of over 10,000 tons of synthetic dyes has had a toxic impact on both humans and the environment. Despite efforts to phase out harmful chemistry, there has been a lack of clarity regarding the performance and scalability of sustainable dye options.

The Dyestuff Library aims to provide a solution to this problem by selecting 15 dyestuff innovations to participate in lab and pilot trials over the course of a year. Innovators will undergo extensive compliance and toxicity testing to ensure their safety for commercial use.

The project will be supported by supply chain partners Paradise Textiles and RDD Textiles, university and lab partners NimkarTek, Institute of Chemical Technology and UNICAMP, as well as participating Fashion for Good partners, textile experts, and ZDHC.