Extraction of Natural Dyes from Mangrove Forests to Increase Values of Creative Economy

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The integration of knowledge, culture, technology, and creativity under the concept of creative economy plays a vital role in enhancing the economic value of local resources. Mangrove forests are among the high-potential natural resources, with ecological, economic, and social significance. However, conventional uses of mangrove resources often generate a large amount of waste, e.g., fallen leaves and bark, that is typically discarded as valueless. If such materials can be developed into innovative natural textile dyes, their value can be sustainably enhanced; adverse environmental impacts would also be alleviated. This research therefore aimed to explore the dyeing properties of waste materials from mangrove ecosystems and to develop a high-quality natural dye extraction process suitable for creative design in line with sustainable development principles.

Methodology: The present study employed experimental research in combination with qualitative analysis. Five types of waste materials from the mangrove ecosystem in Yisan Subdistrict, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province, were selected: mangrove leaves, mangrove bark, nipa palm husks, seablite, and sea purslane. These materials, collected from community activities, were tested for dye extraction via boiling in seawater. Three types of mordants derived from local context viz. wood vinegar, alkaline ash from mangrove charcoal, and mangrove mud were applied. The extracted dyes were tested on three types of fabric: silk, cotton, and linen. Additionally, the dye liquids were transformed into a powdery form by adding sodium carbonate to induce crystallization, making the dye ready-to-use in a powdered format. The results were then analyzed to propose a strategy that can add value to local resources through sustainable creative economy approaches.

Main Results: Dye extraction from the five types of mangrove ecosystem waste materials via boiling in seawater (at a ratio of 2 kg raw material to 20 liters seawater, boiled at 100°C for 1 hour) yielded earth-tone color shades. Mangrove leaves, bark, nipa husks, and sea purslane produced various shades of brown, while seablite produced a green tone. Color tones could be modified using natural mordants: wood vinegar enhanced brightness; mangrove mud deepened the tone to grey; and alkaline ash from mangrove charcoal intensified the color. The alkaline ash reacted with plant materials in the following ways: dye from mangrove leaves and bark shifted to reddish-brown, seablite turned olive green, and sea purslane shifted to yellow. The extracted dyes showed strong adherence to silk fabric. Furthermore, transforming the dye liquid into a powdery form was successful by adding 5% sodium carbonate and stirring at 60°C for 30–60 minutes until crystallization occurred, enabling grinding into a ready-to-use powdered dye.

Conclusions: The study of natural dye extraction from mangrove ecosystem materials in Yisan Subdistrict, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province, demonstrates that local waste materials such as mangrove leaves and bark (by-products from charcoal production), nipa husks (leftover from food preparation), and naturally occurring seablite and sea purslane (considered weeds) can be effectively utilized to produce uniquely characteristic textile dyes. The optimal extraction process involves boiling the materials in seawater at 100°C for 1 hour, followed by filtration and dyeing at 60°C. Seawater was found to facilitate better dye adherence to fabrics. The resulting colors belong to the earth-tone family, with vivid and long-lasting shades, especially effective on silk. In addition, wood vinegar, alkaline ash from mangrove charcoal, and mangrove mud serve as natural mordants that enhance colorfastness and allow for shade variation. These findings reflect the potential of local knowledge that can be further developed into creative innovations. The resulting color extraction process uses 100 percent natural resources without chemicals. Green extract from seablite is also noted to be capable of dyeing fabrics, hence exhibiting potential and unique issue that can be used for future commercial development.

Practical Application: The present research highlights the potential of mangrove ecosystem resources as high-quality natural dyes, which can be applied to the development of lifestyle products with strong local identity. These products align with the demands of contemporary consumers who prioritize environmental sustainability, corresponding to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ability to generate powdered dye products not only facilitates ease of storage and transportation, but also opens opportunities for commercial-scale production and integration into contemporary product design—ranging from textiles and handicrafts to other creative items. This approach provides a viable pathway for adding economic value to local resources and elevating them to regional and international markets, thereby supporting sustainable community development and grassroots economic empowerment.