Description
Colorifix has developed a biological process that deposits pigments onto fabrics for textile dyeing. Unlike traditional dyeing methods, which rely on petroleum, toxic chemicals and consume vast amounts of water and energy, Colorifix uses engineered microbes to achieve the same results with less impact. By replacing chemical processes with biological alternatives, Colorifix addresses environmental challenges in an industry that consumes over 5 trillion litres of water annually (World Resources Institute, 2017).
The company has successfully created several biological colours that can be grown in custom bioreactors with a range already available for brands. Through strategic partnerships, Colorifix is working to replace conventional dyeing methods with its innovative technology. This solution provides a scalable, environmentally responsible alternative to harmful textile dyeing practices.
First, Colorifix identifies an organism—be it a plant, animal, insect, or microbe—that produces an interesting colour. Instead of using a physical specimen, they rely on online databases to examine the organism’s DNA and pinpoint the exact genes responsible for producing the specific colour. Once they have identified the genes, they synthesise the DNA and insert it into a safe microbe, which can be a bacteria or yeast. This engineered microbe then acts as a tiny biological factory, producing the desired colour. The microbes are cultivated in a fermentor, much like brewing beer. They grow on non-hazardous ingredients that can include agricultural by-products naturally rich in sugars, peptides, and salts. These ingredients provide the necessary nutrients for the microbes to thrive and produce the pigment. After the fermentation process is complete, everything in the fermentor—the microbes, water and media —is pumped into standard dye machines with the fabric. The microbes attach the pigment to the material, achieving the desired colour.
This process not only eliminates the need for harmful chemicals but also utilises renewable resources instead of petroleum, making it a low impact alternative to traditional dyeing methods. Colorifix implements ZDHC guidelines towards sustainable chemical management.
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