By: Natasha Archary
The South African tea, Rooibos, is being used for more than just as a hot beverage with a number of fashion and sneaker brands using the tea to dye apparel.
A number of clothing manufacturers are looking for a more ethical and sustainable way to dye fabrics, and Rooibos tea is at the top of the list.
Not only does the tea which is made from a herb native to South Africa said to have a number of health benefits when consumed, but it gives clothing the significant colour of this winter season.
With strong amber, rust and neutral hues derived from using Rooibos tea as a dye, the trend is picking up with a few global brands, such as Asics, Quicksilver and Pangaia.
Other more natural ways of dying clothing include using ingredients such as mushrooms, algae, and macha powder.
Spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council, Adele du Toit said the council is amazed at how the tea is being used to dye everything from shawls, scarves, T-shirts, hoodies, dresses and trousers.
“Colouring garments using non-toxic, biodegradable and eco-friendly natural dyes like Rooibos could significantly reduce the textile industry’s carbon footprint.
Dyeing with Rooibos is easy and gives textiles a rich, earthy colour, and can be used to create a natural dye that produces shades of yellow, orange, and red.”
Du Toit says it makes her proud to see something so proudly South African used to not only preserve the environment but to create beautiful items of clothing.
“We are so proud to see Rooibos and tea waste used as sustainable ways to dye clothes. The fashion industry’s use for Rooibos, not only has great social and economic benefits for South Africa, but also helps the world to take another step forward towards sustainable living.”
