Natural dyes are pigments from plants, animals and minerals and are commonly used in coloring food, cosmetics, leather, and textile. Natural dyes have very good affinity to natural and regenerated fibers and their manufactures.

Natural dyes are renewable, biodegradable and pose no health and environmental risks in propagation and disposal. Compared to synthetic dyes which have been proven hazardous and toxic, natural dyes are still a safer option.

CMCC, through the Non-Timber Forest Products – Task Force (NTFP-TF), the Philippine program of the Non-Timber Forest Products- Exchange Programme (NTFP-EP) linked up with the Philippine Textile Research Institute to train their partner enterprises in Mindanao and Palawan who are engaged in abaca weaving and handmade paper making.

Three partners of NTFP-TF are currently using naturals dyes for their products namely, Lake Sebu Indigenous Women Weavers Association (LASIWWAI) in Lake Sebu, Kalandang Weavers in Bukidnon and Maasin Handmade paper makers in Palawan.

They use natural dyes from plants to color fibers, textile and pulp. Plant parts used are leaves, roots, branches, barks, flowers, fruits and seeds.