REǪUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Research Collaboration For Improved Application and Processing Techniques For Natural Dyes

COLORS of Nature Project

Parameter	Details
Reference	COLORS/DFRǪ/20260005
Title	E-Tender Request for Research Collaboration on Improved Application and Processing Techniques for Natural Dyes (Activity A.2.3)
Timeline	31st August 2026 – 31 July 2029 (3 years )
Area of Expertise	Textile Wet Processing & Dyeing Chemistry, Natural Dye Application, Sustainable/Cleaner Textile Processing, Eco-friendly Mordanting & Fixation
Implementation Area	Research institution / laboratory facilities, with pilot validation at partner dyeing unit(s) in India; coordinated with project sites in Andhra Pradesh (Parvathipuram Manyam, Srikakulam and Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema) and Telangana (Vikarabad)
Submission Deadline	20th September 2026
Budget Head	5.2.8     Research on Application of Natural Dye of Textile

Project Overview

The COLORS of Nature project, co-funded by the European Union and implemented by Welthungerhilfe with partners Avani Society and Chitrika (ALAF), aims to advance circular textile production in India through plant-based dyes. The project targets 15,000 smallholder farmers and artisans across Uttarakhand, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh (2025–2029).

Activity A.2.2 and A.2.3 is a research and technology-collaboration component under Output 2 that will identify, test, and pilot improved application and processing techniques for natural dyes spanning mordanting, pre-treatment, fixation, water and energy efficiency, and residue management. This RFP seeks a qualified textile research institution or specialist consultant to conduct up to 3 years of lab-scale and mill-scale research, culminating in validated mill-ready technical guidelines.

1.   OBJECTIVES

1.1  Overall Objective

To identify, develop, and validate improved, eco-friendly application and processing techniques for natural dyes on cotton fabrics and yarn that enhance colour fastness, resource efficiency, and industrial scalability, while preserving ecological sustainability.

Specific Objectives

The specific objective and scope of the study may undergo changes based on the existing technology for experimentation available in India. Following are the indicative objectives subject to the availability of such a technology in India

1. Identify and evaluate natural mordants and bio-based fixation/crosslinking agents that improve colour fastness and dye permanence without compromising the ecological positioning of natural dyes on cotton fabrics and yarn.
2. Test and optimize pre-treatment methods on cotton fabrics and yarn.Develop and pilot water-saving dyeing strategies, including closed-loop dyeing systems.
3. Evaluate energy-efficient dyeing alternativesDesign and test protocols for recycling or upcycling dye residues to support a zero-waste processing model.
4. Validate the most promising techniques at pilot/mill scale in partnership with at least one dyeing unit/mill

 

Currently some of the technologies are available for man-made fibers and at huge scale. Technologies suitable for handloom fabric and yarn will be the primary focus of the study

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Eligibility

1. State/Central Textile Research Associations or Institutes (e.g. South India Textile Research Association)
2. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), National Institute of Design (NID), or similar design/textile institutes
3. State/Central Agricultural or Technical Universities with textile chemistry departments
4. Reputed textile-sector NGOs with applied research experience
5. Private textile research organizations / individual textile researchers with academics from reputed organisations (NID, NIFT etc.,)
6. Consortiums of the above (lead applicant must be specified)
7. Individual Consultants with 10 years of experience in handlooms production
8. 5 years experience in working with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Weavers

Mandatory Organizational Requirements:

1. Legal registration in India (minimum 5 years old). Not applicable to individual consultants
2. Access to a testing laboratory accredited for colour-fastness and related textile testing (own or partnered)

Technical Eligibility Criteria

Essential:

1. Experience with colour-fastness and related textile testing
2. Capability to design and run both lab-scale and unit-scale (production) trials
3. Prior working relationship with, or ability to secure, a commercial dyeing unit partner, weavers or dye artisans.
4. Experience developing technical guidelines / SOPs for weavers or artisan use

Desirable:

1. Prior experience specifically with natural/plant-based dyes
2. Familiarity with closed-loop or low-water dyeing systems
3. Knowledge in eco-friendly processing certifications (e.g. GOTS, ZDHC)
4. Experience in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, or Uttarakhand
5. Network with dyeing units and textile industry associations

Submission Guidelines

1. Deadline: 20th September 2026
2. Submission Method: EU portal Link: https://eu.eu-supply.com/ctm/Supplier/PublicPurchase/460361/0/0?returnUrl=ctm/Supplier/publictenders&b=
3. Subject line: "Application for Application & Processing Research - [Organization Name]"
4. Two separate files:
   1. Technical Proposal PDF (labeled: TechProposal_OrgName.pdf)
   2. Financial Proposal Excel (labeled: FinProposal_OrgName.xls)
   3. Both the Technical Proposal and Financial Proposal should be password protected. Documents without Password protection will be ineligible for evaluation.

To download the full RFP document , click here: Research Collaboration For Improved Application and Processing Techniques For Natural Dyes

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