Valorization of green plantain waste for natural dye production with potential applications in the textile industry

Abstract

Global plantain production reaches approximately 44.6 Mt annually, of which an estimated 30–40% corresponds to peel waste, highlighting the urgent need for effective valorization strategies for this underutilized biomass. In this context, this study evaluates the laboratory-scale feasibility of producing a natural dye from green plantain peel and demonstrates its potential application in the textile industry. A comparative approach was employed, including conventional reflux extraction and enzyme-assisted extraction using cellulase, enabling a systematic assessment of extraction performance and dyeing behavior. Although the extract obtained without enzymatic treatment showed higher concentrations of tannins and flavonoids, the enzymatically treated sample exhibited improved dye quality, with enhanced purity and superior color fixation on cotton fabrics. Dye performance was assessed according to ISO 105-C10:2006 and ISO 105-E07:2010, demonstrating improved washing fastness and consistent coloration within the pink spectrum for the enzymatic extract. The main contribution of this work lies in demonstrating that enzymatic pretreatment can significantly enhance the functional performance of plantain peel-derived dyes, despite lower concentrations of chromophoric compounds, highlighting the importance of extract quality over composition alone. Furthermore, this study provides a novel and integrated approach for the valorization of green plantain peel waste, combining process optimization and textile performance evaluation. These findings contribute to the development of sustainable dyeing alternatives and support the implementation of circular economy strategies in the textile sector.