Aprilia Puteri Ningtarich, Sri Endah Wahyuningsih, Urip Wahyuningsih

Exploring the Quality of Eco-Prints from Floral Waste Across Fabric Variations

Introduction

Exploring the quality of eco-prints from floral waste across fabric variations. Explore eco-print quality from floral waste on cotton, linen, and silk fabrics. This study assesses color fastness to washing (good) and color aging, finding silk appears darker over time.

Abstract

Textile dyes are commonly used in the production of fashion products. However, to reduce reliance on synthetic textile dyes, the use of natural dyes has become an important alternative. One sustainable method for applying natural dyes is the eco-print technique. This study aimed to examine: (1) the quality of color fastness to soap washing in eco-print results on cotton, linen, and silk fabrics; and (2) the quality of color aging in eco-prints using kenikir flowers on cotton, linen, and silk fabrics. The research employed an experimental method by producing eco-prints on cotton, linen, and silk fabrics. The materials used for eco-printing included kenikir, insulin, grass, and frangipani flowers, applied through a steaming technique. Sample testing was conducted at the UII Textile Laboratory to assess color fastness to soap washing and color aging. Data were analyzed descriptively, based on three repetitions of each test. The findings revealed that the average score for color fastness to soap washing was 4–5, which falls under the good criteria. Meanwhile, the results of the color aging test showed values of 97.66 for cotton, 101.61 for silk, and 114.99 for linen. Among these, silk fabric demonstrated higher results, indicating that the eco-printed motif appeared older or darker in color compared to cotton and linen.

Review

This study presents a timely and relevant exploration into the quality of eco-prints derived from floral waste, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic textile dyes. The authors' initiative to investigate eco-print quality across different fabric types (cotton, linen, silk) using practical metrics such as color fastness to soap washing and color aging is commendable. The experimental approach, focusing on specific floral wastes like kenikir, insulin, grass, and frangipani, provides a solid foundation for assessing the viability and durability of this natural dyeing technique. The clear objectives and the use of a textile laboratory for testing lend credibility to the findings, addressing a critical need for objective data in the field of sustainable fashion. The findings on color fastness to soap washing, with an average score of 4–5 (good criteria), are encouraging and suggest that eco-prints can withstand standard laundering conditions reasonably well. However, the interpretation of the color aging test results warrants further clarification. While the abstract provides numerical values (97.66 for cotton, 101.61 for silk, and 114.99 for linen), its concluding statement that "silk fabric demonstrated higher results, indicating that the eco-printed motif appeared older or darker in color compared to cotton and linen" appears inconsistent with the presented numbers, as linen (114.99) shows a higher value than silk (101.61). This discrepancy needs to be addressed for the reader to fully grasp the implications of the aging test. Additionally, while the aging test is specified for kenikir flowers, the eco-printing process generally mentions multiple flowers; clarity on whether the aging results apply broadly or specifically to kenikir is needed. To enhance the manuscript's impact, the authors should provide a more detailed explanation of what the color aging numerical values represent and how they are quantitatively linked to the perception of "older or darker" appearance. Resolving the contradiction in the interpretation of the aging data is crucial. Future research could expand upon these findings by investigating the impact of different mordants or post-treatment methods on both color fastness and aging. Exploring a broader range of floral wastes, exposure to different environmental factors (e.g., UV light), and consumer perception studies would also be valuable. Despite minor points for clarification, this study offers a valuable contribution to the understanding of eco-print quality and underscores the potential of natural dyes in fostering sustainable textile production.

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