Living Colour is an innovative dyeing method with living organisms. The bacteria grow on the textile and leave visible growth patterns, which create unique designs. No harmful chemicals are used in the renewable dyeing process and the colour is completely biodegradable. Dyeing takes place at a lower temperature and with less water than is usual for dyeing textiles. The colour is fade resistant to washing, rubbing and sweating, but will gradually fade over time when exposed to light.
20% of all fresh water pollution is caused by textile dyeing and finishing
Made from
- 100% organic cotton dyed with Janthinobacterium lividum
- 100% ahimsa “peace” silk dyed with Janthinobacterium lividum
Production process
- The textile is sterilised
- The bacteria are added to the textile
- A nutrient medium is addes for the bacteria
- After 3-4 days the bacteria have produced pigment and dyed the textile
Applied
A wide variety of materials can be dyed with this dyeing method, from natural fibres, to synthetic fibres, fiber blends and recycled fibres.
Also nice!
The bacterial pigments contain antimicrobial components. This can potentially impart an antimicrobial function to the fabric.
Environmental impact
No harmful chemicals are used in the renewable dyeing process and the colour is completely biodegradable.
Growth opportunities
The dyeing process is artisanal and at the same time highly innovative. It is currently still a labour- and time-intensive lab process, suitable for experimental designs.