Chemworld International is a trusted reactive dyes manufacturer and supplier in the USA, serving textile mills, garment dyers, and specialty chemical formulators. Reactive dyes form a permanent covalent bond with cellulosic fibers like cotton, linen, viscose, and lyocell, producing brilliant, wash-fast colors that outlast all other dye classes for natural fiber applications. They are the dominant choice in global cotton textile dyeing.
Our reactive dye range includes standard hot-dyeing grades for jet and jigger machinery, as well as MX cold dye grades for low-temperature exhaust processes, pad-batch cold pad applications, and tie-dye craft use. Available shades span the full spectrum: blacks, blues, reds, oranges, violets, yellows, and browns.
The color shades displayed should only be considered a representation of the indicated dye or pigment. Actual color can depend on varying factors, including the desired application. Product samples are recommended for testing before use and/or purchase.
Reactive dyes are designed for cellulosic fibers including cotton, linen, viscose, lyocell (Tencel), and modal. They form a permanent covalent bond with the fiber, giving exceptional wash fastness. They are not suitable for polyester, nylon, or acrylic without fiber modification.
Hot reactive dyes are applied at 60–80°C and are suited for industrial exhaust and continuous dyeing processes. MX cold dyes (also called Procion MX) react at room temperature under alkaline conditions, making them ideal for cold pad-batch dyeing, small-batch studio dyeing, and tie-dye applications.
Reactive dye fixation requires alkali (sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide) and heat (or extended time for cold processes). The dye reacts with the hydroxyl groups of cellulose, forming a permanent ether bond. Unfixed dye must be washed out thoroughly after fixation.
For deep, wash-fast black on cotton we recommend Reactive Black 5, Reactive Black G, and Reactive Black WNN — all of which are in our stock range. Reactive Black 5 is the industry standard for cotton and viscose deep black shades.
Yes. Reactive dyes are widely used in textile printing (screen printing, digital inkjet, and rotary printing) on cotton. They require a steaming or baking fixation step after printing.
Yes. Our MX cold dye grades (Reactive Blue 4, Reactive Red 2, Reactive Yellow 7, etc.) are perfect for tie-dye, batik, and hand-painting applications. No special equipment is needed — they fix at room temperature with soda ash.