Pineapple peels can be used to dye clothing

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-11-26 11:01

International

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International researchers have developed a way to dye clothing using discarded pineapple peel - an approach they say can help upcycle food waste and provide a more sustainable option. Testing various strategies for getting dye out of the peel, the researchers say they found a way to extract a powder that can handle high temperatures and produce a strong, durable colour. They say their research shows byproducts from pineapple production could be a cost-effective natural dye alternative that has the capacity to hold up as a commercial product.

Media release

From: The Royal Society

Eco-innovative Dyeing of Cotton with Upcycled Pineapple Peel Waste-Derived Natural Dye

Royal Society Open Science

This study demonstrates that pineapple peel waste, an abundant byproduct of fruit processing, can be upcycled into a sustainable natural dye for cotton fabrics. Optimized alkaline extraction produced high pigment yields and generated a thermally stable, finely dispersed dye powder. When applied to cotton, the dye exhibited strong coloration and enhanced durability, particularly with environmentally safe mordants and cationization treatments. Beyond reducing reliance on synthetic dyes, this approach valorizes agricultural residues, mitigates environmental waste, and advances circular economy principles. The findings highlight a practical and scalable pathway toward greener and more sustainable textile coloration.

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Journal/
conference: Royal Society Open Science

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology, Sri Lanka

Funder: No funding information provided.

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