ABSTRACT
The path of sustainability in textiles needs the utilization of the most environment-friendly technologies for manufacturing as well as applying finishes. Finishing impacts fabrics’ appearance, performance, and care. Sustainable finishes from natural sources have gained popularity in recent years due to awareness about the harmful effects of toxic emissions of synthetic finishes and colorants into soil, air, and streams. Eco-friendly finishes and colorants obtained from natural sources and agro-waste are safe for the skin and environment, provide aesthetic value to textiles, and bring monetary benefits to farmers and agricultural food grain processing units. Bio-based food grain wastes like peanut, chickpea, and almond husk not only color textiles but also impart protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays and microbial infestations. Sustainable practices, like nanoemulsions extracted from onion peelings, to enhance fabric performance are presented in the form of case studies. The chapter identifies prevailing and new sources of finishing and pigments from bio-resources. Data regarding ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), anti-microbial properties, and flame retardancy of finished textiles is presented. Sustainable sources of textile finishes and their application to enhance the performance of technical textiles using eco-technologies like plasma technology and ultrasound techniques are addressed in the chapter. The commercial potential of specialty finishes and dye therapy of textiles in small-scale businesses and the fashion industry, along with their economic and environmental benefits, are explored.
