The dyeing sector faces serious challenges due to a lack of qualified technicians.

The global textile industry has recorded substantial growth over the past decade. But this hasn’t necessarily upgraded the dyeing sector as much as it should have. The quality of the dyeing is poor and monotonous. Experts believe that chemistry continues to elude the very precise process of dyeing textiles. No doubt that the industry needs to train and harness the talents with proper knowledge of science for the dyeing sector. 

Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) has received several reports from experts concerning the gap in the skill. The reports are well furnished with an in-depth survey of the sector and appropriate analysis, revealing a shocking global crisis of skilled dyeing workers in the textile industry. This has resulted in the declining quality of textiles over the years. Over 77% of respondents have agreed upon this issue. 

There is a serious need for ongoing education at the workplace to counter this issue, as agreed by at least 87% of the members of SDC. One of the underlying reasons for such a crisis is that many employees enter the industry with theoretical knowledge, acquired by rote method,  but fail in the execution of it. This is why in-house training should be prioritized right now.

Without understanding the science that goes into dyeing the textiles, the workers are likely to produce the same product, repeatedly, in line with the limited knowledge they have in hand. If they actually know what is going on inside the dyeing vessel, they can come up with innovative ideas that might sharpen the competitive edge. Often the chemicals have to be adjusted to suit the desired outcome. Without scientific knowledge, this adjustment not only becomes impossible, but the entire process may face the danger of derailment.

The new world is more environmentally conscious. Demand for eco-friendly products often decides the market supply. If the workers are not familiar with the science of dyeing, they won’t be able to produce eco-friendly products. This inability to cater to the demands of the customers will affect the business most adversely. Needless to say that a persisting poor quality of dyeing will lead to a huge financial loss.

There are several effective ways to deal with the problem. The industry should strive to tap the best workers with a solid foundation in the science of dyeing. They may be able to pass on their knowledge through the in-house training of the interns later. Dyeing is a very complex and precise chemical process. But the general perception propagates the same as somewhat marginal. This perception needs to change for good. Dyeing should be treated as a valid career choice that might generate interest and research in the field. Regular workshops for the existing employees in the dyeing sector can go a long way in favour of scientific development.