Author(s): Carvalho C and Santos G
Local is global and global is local. Globalization changed the way we view society for the past decades and it presents advantages and disadvantages. Although to be global means an increased cultural intertwining or a higher flow of information and a social tolerance as well as the existence of a world market that enables productivity and accessibility they are also disadvantages related to the loss of cultural identity of certain cultures or sustainable issues that must be addressed. On the other hand, this new century’s challenges and issues are often strongly related to the usage of nonrenewable resources and production procedures putting at risk the environment and people’s health. Regarding textiles, or its resources, the growing concern over environmental quality and users health has led to a gradual interest of the reintroduction of natural dyes (and preservation of biodiversity) into the fashion and textile design industries as opposed to the current production processes. This study analyses the evolution of natural dyes and colour throughout the centuries focusing in the sustainability of textile industry and the conservation of biodiversity, local production and ancient knowledge on dyeing techniques. It also reveals that a revival of natural dyes (and ancient/local know how) in addiction to new cutting edge technologies (such as biotechnology) allows for an industrial feasibility. Results also indicate significant reduced environmental impact and new strategies for sustainable development regarding colours for textiles..
