The age-old practice of batik-dyeing is quietly undergoing a “green” revolution, thanks to an initiative by a renowned batik-maker in Kuala Terengganu.
Noor Arfa Holdings Sdn Bhd is carrying out a pilot project on a new environmentally-friendly technology which eliminates the use of water from the batik-making process.
It is also planning to launch the green batik under the brandname “Eco Batik” in Malacca on July 2, with shirts and dresses priced between RM150 and RM200.
The company hopes that the success of the venture will encourage other batik-makers to follow suit as the cost is almost the same as using the traditional method.
Noor Arfa Holdings executive chairman Wan Mohd Ariffin Wan Long says the new technology will boost environmental awareness if it is combined with trendy, affordable products.
“New and sustainable technologies normally fail to be accepted because of the high cost and we realise that to use green technology, we have to make sure it is economical,” he adds.
Early this year, the company went on a trial run and was pleased with the results.
“We cannot say that it is fully developed yet as we are continuing to improve on the weaknesses.”
Unlike the traditional batik-dyeing process which uses a huge amount of water, he says the new computer-aided process eliminates water usage.
“The water used in traditional batik-making can harm the environment.
“Even by the most conservative estimates, producing a batik shirt needs about five litres of water. After printing, the textile will have to be rinsed repeatedly in water, unlike the new method which does not require rinsing.”
Ariffin, however, declines to elaborate.
“All I can say is that it’s based on the offset printing concept which allows the design to be printed on the textile over and over without loss of detail or accuracy.
“This not only saves time but is also a bonus when it comes to bulk orders.
“While the exclusive design is one of the main plus points of hand-drawn batik, bulk orders will require us to stick to the strict limits of the designs,” he says, adding that traditional batik will not lose its popularity.
He says the company will still continue to use the traditional method and have a do-it-yourself batik workshop at its showroom in Chendering.
His son, Noor Arfa Holdings general manager Wan Mohd Azwan, says they hope Eco Batik will be able to penetrate the mass market.
He says currently, Eco Batik uses polyester fabric, which, although not a natural fibre, has its own green advantages.
“Polyester fabric can be recycled and now, more manufacturers are making polyester from recycled water bottles.”
As the first batik company in Terengganu — and probably in Malaysia — to use green technology, Noor Arfa Holdings is setting its sights on the global market.
Ariffin says the company is part of the Clean Batik Initiative (CBI), a campaign brought here by the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce.
“Europe adopts stringent green technology requirements and to penetrate that market, we must make sure our products are compliant.
“Eco Batik is our initiative and we will continue to adopt measures to improve batik-making according to CBI recommendations.”
If all goes well, Eco Batik will be launched internationally.
