Alternatives for Natural Colorants

Abstract

Natural colourants derived from plant, animal, and mineral sources have gained renewed attention as sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes and pigments. This review explores the historical context, classification, extraction methods, and applications of natural colourants across food, textile, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Emphasis is placed on key botanical sources such as turmeric, indigo, saffron, annatto, and beetroot, as well as microbial and insect-derived pigments like cochineal. Recent advancements in stabilization techniques and encapsulation have improved the functional performance of natural dyes, addressing issues such as colour fastness and sensitivity to pH, light, and temperature. Challenges remain in terms of large-scale production, standardization, and regulatory approval. Nevertheless, increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly and non-toxic products is driving innovation and market growth. The review highlights current research gaps and suggests future directions for developing cost-effective, stable, and vibrant natural colourant systems.While natural colourants are valued for their eco-friendliness and low toxicity, they often suffer from limitations such as poor stability, low colour intensity, and limited availability. As a result, alternatives to natural colourants have emerged to meet industrial demands for consistent, vibrant, and stable pigments. This review evaluates current alternatives including synthetic dyes, bioengineered pigments from microorganisms, and nano-encapsulated natural derivatives. Synthetic colourants, although widely used, raise concerns regarding toxicity and environmental impact. Meanwhile, advances in biotechnology have enabled the production of natural-like pigments via microbial fermentation, offering a more sustainable and scalable solution. Encapsulation and stabilization technologies are also improving the performance of natural extracts. The review compares the properties, applications, regulatory status, and environmental profiles of these alternatives, highlighting innovations that balance functionality with safety. Future research is directed toward hybrid approaches that combine natural aesthetics with modern material science to meet consumer and regulatory expectations.