The history of research and development on synthetic dyes stretches back for 150 years. Major contributions to practical dyeing have been the provision of dye ranges for both natural and synthetic fibres of a sufficiently wide colour gamut to obtain a multitude of colours. Dye standardisation, with the associated analytical, testing and evaluation methods, has ensured that products are fit for purpose. Ecotoxicology has been a major issue for several decades, adding to the cost of research but improving the health and safety aspects of dyes. Developments in physical forms of dyes have been designed to improve health, safety, hygiene, ease of handling and accuracy in dispensing. Application research, in conjunction with dye users and machinery makers, has been a long‐established feature of the industry. This has resulted in improved, controlled and systematic dye application techniques, leading to shorter dyeing cycles, right‐first‐time (RFT) processing and a reduction in processing costs. Although dye making is now based mainly in Asia, it is hoped that R&D efforts will continue to ensure that products of the necessary quality and performance remain available.