What is Natural Indigo?
Indigo is the name of the blue dye found predominantly in certain plants. Natural indigo has traditionally been extracted from the indigo plant and used for fabric dye. However, with the invention of chemical indigo in the 19th century, which was derived from coke, natural indigo gradually became less prominent in the textile production mainstream. Unlike many other natural dyes, Indigo dye doesn’t require the typical boiling process; the color begins to develop through the reduction process.
How to prepare indigo color?
There are primarily two different methods for preparing an Indigo Vat. The first is an instant Vat that uses a reducing agent, such as Hydrosulfite, Iron Sulfate, or Fructose, to create the color. This method is relatively easy for preparing the indigo color, but it requires advanced processing equipment for disposal. Additionally, if the amount of reducing agent used exceeds a certain threshold, it becomes saturated and must be discarded. The duration of the color’s longevity depends on the frequency of use, but it’s generally estimated to last for about one month.
The second method is an enzyme vat that harnesses the power of bacteria. When these bacteria consume oxygen, they generate enzymes, initiating the reduction process and creating the desired color. However, this preparation method takes 7-10 days in the summer and 15-20 days in the winter before it’s ready for use. Additionally, it necessitates daily monitoring of temperature and pH levels to maintain optimal conditions.
