Brewed coffee grounds offer sustainable clothing dye

Iowa State University researchers have found a natural way to add color to clothing using the leftover grounds from your daily cup of coffee.

The textile industry uses more than 2 million tons of chemicals and synthetic dyes annually, which is why researchers are interested in finding sustainable alternatives. Changhyun “Lyon” Nam, a graduate student in apparel, merchandising, and design, said his coffee habit inspired him to experiment with the grounds.  

Under the guidance of assistant professor Chunhui Xiang, Nam experimented with different bonding agents in research is published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education.

See the complete story and a video on the ISU News Service website.

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