The Influence of Natural Dyeing on Color Stability, UV Resistance, and Market Competitiveness in the Textile Industry: An Evaluation of Ulos Fabric’s Production Costs and Global Market Potential

Abstract

The textile industry faces substantial environmental challenges due to the widespread use of synthetic dyes, which contribute to pollution and ecosystem degradation. Natural dyes derived from plants and insects provide an environmentally friendly alternative, but their adoption has been limited by concerns related to color stability and production costs. This study compared natural and synthetic dyes with respect to color stability, UV resistance, production costs, and market competitiveness. Experimental results demonstrated that natural dyes incurred higher production costs but exhibited superior color stability and UV resistance compared to synthetic dyes. Textiles dyed with natural dyes achieved higher profit margins in global markets, particularly in premium segments where sustainability considerations are prioritized. The findings provide practical guidance for textile manufacturers seeking to adopt natural dyes while maintaining competitiveness and support sustainability-oriented policy development in the textile sector, with particular relevance for developing countries and Small Island Developing States.