Indigobased

Indigobased is an adjective used to describe materials, formulations, or products that rely primarily on indigo dye or indigo-derived pigments as their colorant or functional component. The term is commonly applied in textiles, where indigo-based dyes impart blue hues, particularly in denim, and is also used for pigments in art, coatings, and some cosmetic or consumer products.

Chemistry and production: Indigo is a vat dye that exists as indigotin. Natural indigo is traditionally obtained from plants in the Indigofera genus, while synthetic indigo is produced industrially. Indigo itself is not soluble in water; it is used in a reduced, soluble form (leucoindigo) that dissolves and binds to fibers. When exposed to air, it oxidizes back to the insoluble blue indigo, providing colorfastness on the fabric.

Applications: Indigo-based dyes and pigments are used in textiles for blue coloration, most famously in denim. They also appear in pigments for paints, plastics, and coatings, and in a range of art and some cosmetic applications where a deep blue hue is desired. The term can apply to products marketed as using natural or synthetic indigo as their primary colorant.

Environmental and safety considerations: Natural indigo production requires substantial quantities of plant material and involves fermentation processes, while synthetic indigo production can involve chemical byproducts that require appropriate waste management. Indigo pigments are generally considered low-to-moderate toxicity in consumer use, but handling guidelines apply, and wastewater from dyeing processes is routinely treated to minimize environmental impact.

See also: indigo dye, indigo carmine, vat dye.