The price of reactive and disperse dyes depends mainly on the cost of the intermediates, the strength of the product, the way it is standardised and finished, and the terms of delivery. Quotes per kilo can look similar while the real cost of colour is very different.
This article gives no figures for reactive dyes price per kg or disperse dyes price. It explains the drivers so that you can compare offers on an equal basis.
Intermediates and chemistry
Dyes are built from intermediates such as H acid and vinyl sulphone ester, and the cost of those intermediates flows into the dye. Their price changes with raw materials, environmental compliance and demand, as explained in why intermediate prices change.
Reactive dyes carry extra steps to attach the reactive group and to purify the product, which adds to the cost. Disperse dyes need fine milling and dispersing agents to make a stable product.
Strength and standardisation
Price per kilo says nothing about how much colour you buy. A product standardised to 100% of a reference with a clear strength tolerance is a different offer from one that varies by lot. Compare cost per unit of colour, using the method in dye strength measurement.
Standardisation means the supplier adds diluents, such as salts in reactive dyes and dispersing agents in disperse dyes, to bring each batch to a fixed strength. More consistent products need more testing and blending, which costs more but protects your dyehouse from rework.
Other drivers on the quote
- Physical form: powder, granules or liquid, each with a different cost to make and ship.
- Fastness and performance claims, particularly for deep shades.
- Compliance work, such as testing for restricted substances. See banned amines and dye testing.
- Pack size, labelling and shelf life.
- Order size, delivery schedule and payment terms.
- Freight and insurance, and the Incoterm on which the quote is based.
How to get a reliable quote
Treat a quote as reliable only if it can be compared. Use this checklist:
- Send the same specification to every supplier, including strength standard, shade tolerance, form and packing.
- State the volume, delivery schedule and Incoterm, and ask for validity in days.
- Request a sample from current production and run a laboratory dyeing against your standard.
- Ask what the quote assumes about raw material costs and what would change it.
- Compare on a landed-cost basis using comparing chemical quotes on an equal basis.
Be wary of a quote far below the rest. It usually means lower strength, more diluent or looser tolerances. Our guide on buying reactive and disperse dyes from India goes further on suppliers.
Why the cheapest offer can cost more
A low quote often reflects a weaker product, more diluent or a loose tolerance. The dyehouse then uses more dye, spends more on corrections and risks rejects when shades vary between lots.
Add up the full cost of a coloured kilo of fabric, including dye, chemicals, energy, rework and delays. A supplier with tight strength and shade control can be cheaper on that basis, even if the number on the quote is higher.
Next step
A real quote for your dyes comes only after a supplier has seen your specification. We find and audit dye makers, check samples and documents, and have lots tested. To start, book a free sourcing review.