When you think about what makes a piece of clothing environmentally friendly, probably one of the last things you would come up with is the dye. For generations, clothes have been dyed using azo-based dyes that are harmful to the environment and can cause skin irritation. But there is a new type of dye on the market that is much better for people and the planet - azo-free dye!
How are azo-free dyes made?
Azo-free dyes are made from coal tars, which are derived from the processing of coal. The colours are typically mixed with other chemicals and ground into a powder. They are then dyed with azo-free dyes to produce vibrant colors on fabrics.
The benefits of azo-free clothes
Azo-free clothes are a popular alternative to traditional clothing. They don't use any of the chemicals that produce strong smells and which may be toxic for our health. The azo-free process reduces the colours from 18 to 8, making them more gentle on the clothes and less aggressive towards the environment.
Environmental benefits
Azo-free clothes are the best option for the environment because they don't use harmful dyes. Plus, there is no need to worry about these harmful substances getting into the water supply or soil.
Health benefits
Azo-free clothes are made of material that doesn't use azo-dyes. Theses clothes can be worn by people who are allergic to dyes or who have skin sensitivities. For example, chemically sensitive individuals may be able to wear these types of clothes without any adverse reactions. In addition, azo-free clothes will inhibit the growth of bacteria and moulds which can help prevent allergies and irritations.
The safest clothes are those made from natural materials such as cotton, wool and down. Make sure to buy clothes that have been certified as free of azo-dyes.