Explore our leading range of high-performance solvent, direct, and acid dyes trusted by global manufacturers.
Direct Black 38 (CAS Registry Number: 1937-37-7; Color Index: C.I. 30235), commonly referred to under trade names such as Direct Black EX, is a trisazo class synthetic organic dyestuff. In the landscape of industrial chemicals, it represents one of the most critical direct dyes for coloring cellulose-based substrates, leather, and paper products. Structurally characterized by three azo linkages (-N=N-), this complex compound exhibits an exceptionally high affinity for organic macromolecules, offering deep, rich black shades without requiring metallic mordants.
Due to its high water solubility and superior exhaustion properties, Direct Black 38 remains a primary component in manufacturing operations worldwide. However, the modern global market dictates strict chemical purity, consistent dye value strength (ranging from 100% standard powder to concentrated versions), and minimized environmental hazards. B2B purchasers must collaborate with highly capable OEM manufacturers to guarantee compliance with volatile organic compounds (VOC) standards and international chemical registrations.
"Direct Black 38's chemical resilience, combined with direct hydrogen bonding to cellulose fibers, establishes it as the baseline standard for cost-effective, high-intensity industrial black dyeing."
Driving efficiency, high capacity, and eco-friendly standards in global dyestuff supply chains.
For industrial-scale buyers, China stands as the powerhouse for Direct Black 38 manufacturing. This consolidation of capacity is not simply a matter of volume; it is the result of deeply integrated supply chains, immediate access to vital chemical intermediates (such as H-acid, benzidine congeners, and sodium nitrite), and state-of-the-art process automation.
OEM factories like Tianjin Sunrise Chem Group optimize production through continuous synthesis technologies. Instead of traditional batch reactors, which can result in variations in dye strength and shade consistency, advanced modern plants employ continuous flow systems. This guarantees:
Furthermore, local logistical advantages—specifically proximity to major northern ports like Tianjin Port—ensure that sea freight lead times are minimized, and storage risks are significantly mitigated.
Direct Black 38 is utilized in diverse specialized sectors. Below is a breakdown of how the product functions across primary industries.
In the textile industry, Direct Black 38 is a standard choice for cotton, viscose, and blend fabrics. Its high affinity for cellulose allows it to exhaust effectively at medium temperatures (80°C - 90°C) with the aid of electrolytes like sodium chloride or sodium sulfate. OEM manufacturers offer specialized liquid configurations to reduce dust contamination in mills.
For structural paper, cardboard, and commercial packaging, Direct Black 38 provides excellent bleed-resistance and uniform coloring. Its high solubility ensures it integrates perfectly during stock preparation, or it can be directly applied at the size press. Liquid options prevent processing downtime due to nozzle blockages.
In chrome-tanned and vegetable-tanned leather, Direct Black 38 exhibits outstanding penetration. It dyes both the grain and split layers evenly. The resulting leather retains its flexibility and texture, making this dye invaluable for footwear, bags, and automotive upholstery manufacturing.
A look at our active cargo shipping, specialized factory warehouses, and additional core colorants.
Beyond Direct Black 38, our facilities manufacture and ship a broad catalog of acid, solvent, and basic dyestuffs to meet every specialized industrial requirement. Our portfolio includes specialized formulations such as Acid Red 14 for the leather industry, Acid Orange 7 for silk and wool, and Acid Black 1 for forensics and fingerprinting, among others. Explore these standard offerings produced in our partner factories:













Handling and shipping raw materials with safety, speed, and standard export loading processes.






Environmental standards are no longer optional for major retail brands. Tianjin Sunrise Chem Group remains at the forefront of this shift, ensuring all production lines meet strict global parameters. We focus heavily on reducing the presence of hazardous chemical emissions from start to finish.
ZDHC Level 3 Certification: The Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals program is a collaborative effort by leading global brands and retailers to eliminate hazardous chemicals from industrial processes. Achieving Level 3—the highest certification tier—proves that our chemical formulations, manufacturing processes, and wastewater management practices meet strict global standards.
GOTS Certification: The Global Organic Textile Standard verifies our organic status from harvest to final processing. This provides partners with the transparency and reliability required for sustainable, ethical, and safe manufacturing.





The global dyestuff supply chain faces challenges, including fluctuating raw material costs, changing shipping rates, and evolving environmental regulations. Purchasing officers are shifting from transactional buying to strategic partnerships with reliable factories.
For Direct Black 38, key industry requirements include:
Tianjin Sunrise Chem Group manages these variables by maintaining stable warehouse inventories of intermediate materials, ensuring stable pricing and reliable delivery schedules for our long-term partners.
Clear, direct answers to common procurement questions and chemical parameters for Direct Black 38.
A broad selection of high-quality organic pigments, acid black powders, and essential processing chemicals.