Scientists Growing Colour Without Chemicals
21 days ago
- #environmental innovation
- #sustainable fashion
- #textile dyeing
- Textile dyeing is a major polluter, accounting for 20% of global industrial water pollution.
- Most dyes are petrochemical-based, requiring vast amounts of water and releasing toxic chemicals into ecosystems.
- Natural dyes are less harmful but often produce dull colors and fade quickly.
- Colorifix, a UK-based company, uses engineered microbes to create vibrant, eco-friendly dyes with minimal water and no toxic additives.
- The technology was inspired by nature, using DNA sequencing to replicate colors from organisms like butterflies and flowers.
- Colorifix has gained recognition, including being a finalist for the Earthshot Prize in 2023.
- The company has secured $18 million in funding from Inter IKEA Group to scale its technology globally.
- Colorifix's dyeing process is compatible with existing industrial equipment, making it easier for factories to adopt.
- The technology has potential applications beyond textiles, including cosmetics and hair dye.
- Despite challenges, Colorifix is expanding its operations and aims to make a significant impact on the fashion industry's environmental footprint.