DOST highlights impact of natural dyes technologies in virtual presser
By Dhel Nazario
Accomplishments of the Natural Dyes Research and Development program were recently presented by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) in a virtual presser.

It aims to promote Philippine Natural Dyes, share R&D accomplishments and its impact and highlight opportunities and forward plans for the Philippine natural dyes industry.
With the theme, "Capturing Colors: Philippine Natural Dyes" the virtual presser was attended by the natural dyes stakeholders from the academe, industry, communities, enterprises, government, and non-government organizations and the media.
It highlighted the impact of the PTRI natural dyes technologies to the community-based enterprises, and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
One of the examples presented was the impact of the natural dyes technologies to the handloom woven pineapple fabric producers in Aklan which was shared by Raquel’s Pina Cloth and Products.
Through the provision of PTRI’s training assistance and the establishment of Natural Dyes Facilities in Aklan, the pineapple fabric weavers were able to develop new product designs, and provided additional economic opportunities and income for the enterprises since natural dyes add more value to their products.
This is also echoed by Narda’s Handwoven Arts and Crafts, an enterprise that made use of PTRI-produced cotton/pineapple yarns and natural dyes which they learned from PTRI through training, as raw materials for its apparel line branded as Narda’s Naturals.
According to Ms. Lucia Catanes of Narda’s, the Narda’s Naturals created new opportunities in both local and international markets for Narda’s Handwoven Arts and Crafts.
The newest adopter of natural dyes technologies, and the first-ever user of upscaled natural dyes technologies - the Natural Craft Connection Enterprise (NCCE) was also in the said event.
NCCE, an abaca-based handicraft producer and manufacturer, recently signed a Licensing Term Sheet with DOST-PTRI for the adoption of the scaled-up natural dyes technologies.
Through this technology transfer agreement with DOST-PTRI, NCCE is now able to produce and can sell 100 percent natural abaca-based products like carpets and other home furnishings.