Bacteria Dyed Textiles: The New Alternative to Synthetic and Plant Dyes
Water waste and chemicals are two disadvantages commonly associated with the production of synthetic dyes. The Vienna Textile Lab created an innovative alternative by using strands of bacteria to create the dye, which can then be applied to textiles.
Bacteria dyed textiles are derived from naturally occurring bacteria, making them a 100% natural and chemical free. Bacteria are identified and grown to extract colorants that are then purified into pigments. During this process, no crude oil is needed, unlike in the production of many synthetic colors.
It also has an advantage over the production of vegetable and plant dyes which are dependent on seasons, weather conditions and geography. Instead, suitable bacterial strains are stored in laboratories and can be reproduced and multiplied at any time. The color is dependent on the type of bacteria used. Colors such as blue, purple, red, yellow, and orange have been achieved so far. All have superior colorfastness and they can be applied to a variety of different materials such as cotton, wool, angora, and polyester.
About Vienna Textile Lab
The Austrian company is making quite an impact by reinventing the way the world sees textiles. Founder, Karin Fleck and her team are on a mission to make dying fabrics easier and more ecologically friendly.
Vienna Textile Lab plans to sell the finished dyed fabric during the beginning stages of commercialization. In the future, the company plans to license out the technology to textile mills. Applications include fashion, footwear, accessories, upholstery, and bedding.
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