Studi pemanfaatan gambir (Uncaria gambir Roxb) dalam proses pewarnaan kain mori

Abstract

Gambier is an extract of leaves and branches of gambier plant (Uncaria gambier Roxb). Gambier is one of Indonesia export commodities mostly produced in Sumatera island. Indonesia plays role as the world’s largest gambier exporter. In Indonesia, gambier utilized traditionally as leather tanning material, ingredient of traditional medicine, rust omission, etc. Chemical components of gambier mostly utilized are catechin and tannin. Technology of gambier processing that existed in Indonesia is still low in capacity, so the processing of gambier is mostly done traditionally. This kind of processing resulted on low quality and lack of economical value products of gambier. Therefore, development of processing method and wide utilization of Gambier in industry are needed to increase gambier added value. Tannin and catechin on gambier also can be utilized as colouring agent in textile industry to gain reddish brown colour on batik clothes that will be endure on intense sunlight exposure. Textile industries in Indonesia, especially batik industries, are now developing rapidly where the trend of batik clothes on every occasion is becoming common interest. On technological side, in general the batik industrialists have not done any development on their production sytem and method, so they could be more productive and produce uniformity of product quality. Utilization of natural colouring agent is also not becoming a consideration of most batik industrialists in the environmental issue that is now being widely concerned.