Mango leaf natural plant dyed bamboo top by Bam Loves Boo

mango leaf

natural plant dyes

Bali passion project
Plant-dye-process-bam-loves-boo.png

Bali passion project

We're thrilled to present our exciting new passion project here in Bali - a creative endeavor to transform our white Mini Muse slouch in into vibrant, eco-friendly masterpieces using natural plant dyes, specifically derived from mango leaves.

This project aligns with our commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness, showcasing the beauty and benefits of using plant-based dyes.

Like all our dyes they are free of toxic substances like azo dyes, formaldehyde, flame retardants, phthalates, chlorine bleach, heavy metals, or other dangerous chemicals commonly found in fabric dyes.

"Visiting the dye mill and learning each step in the process spoke to our environmental values. Before even going to Bali it was something I knew I wanted to make work while we were there."

mango-leaf-plant-dyes.jpg

Mango leaves

Plant dyes offer a broad spectrum of colours, each with its own unique and natural hue. Mango leaves, for instance, can yield various shades of green, making the dyeing process an exciting experiment in color creation.

Chopped-up-mango-leaves-plant-dyes.jpg
mango-leaf-plant-dyes-bam-loves-boo.jpg
mango-leaves-plant-dyes.jpg
Copy_of_Copy_of_Copy_of_Copy_of_Untitled_2048_x_2048_px_10.gif
eco-friendly-mango-leaf-plant-dyes.jpg

Sustainable harvesting

The colour extraction process is lengthier than typical dyeing. It involves chopping and air-drying leaves, followed by a 7 to 8-hour boil to obtain the colour extract. Nonetheless, leaves are the key ingredient in natural dyeing, thanks to their easy availability, sustainability (no tree cutting), and the potential for using leaf waste as compost.

Non_toxic_icon_green_2_b7c62e92-544d-4097-9699-b7d01e1777b2.png

Step 1

Select healthy mango leaves from mature trees, preferably during the growing season to ensure optimal pigment content.

Closed_loop_new_icon_85f85bdd-8eaf-4e76-86ae-b7d05edc94bb.png

Step 2

Shread the leaves into smaller pieces and place them in a large tank of boiling water. Boil for 7+ hours.

waves_icon_cd9ab678-9be7-4264-add4-15e600240df9.png

Step 3

Let the dye bath cool and strain out the leaves to obtain a concentrated dye solution.

compost_icon_green_2_7a65da41-959e-421e-ba17-2887b6e27bfe.png

Step 4

Stir to ensure even distribution of the dye.Let the jumper soak in the dye bath for an adequate period to achieve the desired colour intensity.

Copy_of_Copy_of_Copy_of_Copy_of_Untitled_2048_x_2048_px_2.gif
mango-leaf-plant-dyes-bam-loves-boo_6ec486fc-2123-412f-a286-91e2c2cce0a4.jpg

Benefits of plant dyes

Eco-Friendly: Plant dyes are biodegradable and environmentally sustainable. They do not release harmful chemicals into the environment during the dyeing process or after disposal.

Renewable and Abundant: Plants are a renewable resources that can be sustainably harvested without depleting the natural ecosystem.

Health and Safety: Plant dyes are non-toxic and pose no health risks to individuals handling them during the dyeing process.

Reduced Water Consumption: Compared to synthetic dyeing processes, dyeing with plant-based dyes requires less waste.