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Fiber-reactive dyes, like Procion brand dyes and Remazol dyes, are man-made textile dyes, used primarily on cellulose (plant) fibers like cotton and hemp, that actually form a chemical bond to the fabric, becoming a part of it at the molecular level. Because they develop color inside the fiber, bonding chemically to the fibers, fiber-reactive dyes do not fade or bleed and are generally considered safe.

Fiber-reactive dyes are typically applied in a dyebath consisting of water, salt, soda ash, dye and cloth. The soda ash is an auxilliary called a "fixative", which raises the pH of the water and allows the chemical reaction between the the fiber molecules and dye to occur, and thus form a permanent bond. The salt acts as an electrolyte, which allows the dye to be absorbed into the fabric at a more even rate so a more even dye is achieved. Additional optional auxilliaries include urea, which allows for deeper, brighter colors, and oil, which increases the evenness of the dye for tightly woven fabrics.

Because very little residual dye comes out in the wastewater during the dye process (since the bonding between dye and fiber is so strong and complete) or in the wash water during subsequent washings by the consumer (because the bond is so strong the dye does not bleed), and because they contain no heavy metals or other toxic substances, fiber-reactive dyes are generally considered eco-friendly dyes. Many organic certifications, including GOTS and CU allow the use of fiber-reactive dyes.

For more information, see Dharma Trading Company's Fiber Reactive Procion Dyes, Ecolution's Fiber-Reactive Dyes page.

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