Cotton is normally white, off-white, yellowish. Chemical processing of cotton removes the colour of cotton. The process is called bleaching. Bleached cotton is subsequently dyed to impart desired colour.
Processes of bleaching, dyeing are complex. Require heat, water, chemicals. Ability to get desired shade is a function of science and art of dyeing.
Many will be surprised to know that cotton could be naturally coloured. Yes, there are some varieties of cotton that are naturally coloured. We have cottons that are red, green, brown etc.
There was a time coloured cotton was being commercially produced. However, due to lack of strength coloured cotton could not be machine spun. But as the demand of organic products and eco-freindly fibres is going up, there are discussions on reviving commercial production of coloured cotton.
Many international textile retailers have started procuring colured cotton. Agronomists around the world are working to produce genetically modified coloured cotton with strength adequate for machine spinning.
Sally Fox's Natural Colour Cotton Inc. and Raymond Bird's BC Cotton Inc. have already started commercial cultivation of coloured cotton. The companies are also investing in research to improve commercial viability of these cottons. Hopefully, in near future we will see more of coloured cotton around us.
No comments:
Post a Comment