Sustainable Fashion Alert: How AZO Dyes Are Polluting Our Water

As a sustainable fashion brand, one of the key commitments that we uphold at Vino Supraja is the use of AZO-free dyes in our collections. But what exactly are AZO dyes and why is it so important that they don’t make their way into our clothes?

The Hidden Cost of Fast Fashion: AZO Dyes, Water Contamination, and Health Risks

Image source: CFP.cn

Understanding AZO Dyes

AZO dyes are synthetic compounds commonly used in the textile industry to produce vibrant, colour-fast fabrics. While they provide consistency in colour, they also come with a hidden cost—potential harm to human health and the environment.

Studies have shown that some AZO dyes can be carcinogenic. When absorbed through the skin, especially when we sweat, certain compounds pose a risk to our health. In addition, AZO dyeing processes release toxic chemicals into waterways, contaminating ecosystems and affecting communities that rely on clean water sources.

Despite this, AZO dyes are used in many consumer goods. Currently, there are more than 2,000 AZO dyes in the market used to dye cotton, silk, wool, leather, viscose, and other synthetic fibres. They are also used in paints, varnishes, plastic, and rubber. The use of AZO Dyes is banned in Canada, China, India, the United States, the European Union and many other countries, but they still represent 60-70% of all dyes used worldwide, meaning the environmental impact is significant. 

Image source: A diagram of the dyeing process as seen in Chemical & Engineering News article “Cutting Out Textile Pollution.” A few of the numerous synthetically sourced dyes and chemicals utilized in clothing production are listed in the various steps, although their effects are not detailed.

The Benefits of AZO-Free Dyes

Protecting Our Artisans and Workers

Ethical fashion means considering the well-being of those who create our garments. AZO-free dyes eliminate harmful exposure to toxic chemicals for the artisans and workers who handle fabrics daily. A safer working environment leads to healthier communities and a more sustainable industry.

 Gentler on Your Skin

The skin is our largest organ, and what we wear matters. AZO-free dyes are free from harmful chemicals, reducing the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions. Whether you’re dressing for a casual day out or a long summer afternoon, you can feel confident knowing your clothing isn’t compromising your health.

 Reducing Water Pollution

The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters of water worldwide. Conventional dyeing processes release toxins that seep into rivers and oceans, harming aquatic life and ecosystems. The AZO-free dyeing process ensures that the water used is treated and safe before being reintroduced into the environment, significantly reducing pollution.

 How To Care for AZO-Free Clothing

While AZO-free dyes are so important for sustainable fashion, they do require a more mindful approach. Unlike synthetic dyes, they may experience subtle colour variations between different production batches, though this can add to the character and uniqueness of sustainable fashion pieces.

As a consumer, to protect your AZO-free clothing against gradual fading, we suggest:

•         Using cold water washes to preserve colour.
•         Avoiding direct sunlight drying to prevent fading.
•         Opting for gentle, pH-neutral detergents to maintain vibrancy.

Sustainable Choices, Lasting Impact

While AZO-free dyes come at a higher production cost, we believe the investment is worth it—for the environment, for the people involved in the process, and for consumers, all of whom deserve garments which are safe and healthy to wear.

At Vino Supraja, by choosing AZO-free dyes, we’re taking another step toward a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future. When you wear Vino Supraja, you’re not just wearing a garment; you’re making a statement that ethical fashion matters. Join us in making thoughtful choices that protect our planet and its people. 

Image source: An image of clothing dyed in Yunnan Province, China, taken by Keren Su(Corbis). This photo was first featured in the NRDC article by Sarah Murray, “Fixing the Fashion Industry.”

We suggest you to read the following article:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27635691/

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/fixing-fashion-industry

https://cen.acs.org/articles/93/i41/Cutting-Textile-Pollution.html

Cover image source: Effluent from Maseru's garment factories - in particular dyes for jeans - flow into the Caledon (Mahokare) River in Lesotho, South Africa (Robin Hammond/Panos) source:independent.co.uk

Were you aware of the risks of AZO dyes? We’d love to know your thoughts. You can contact us anytime on social media or by email

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with the latest in eco-friendly, organic and ethical fashion from Vino Supraja.