A noticeable shift towards sustainability is unfolding within the colour and dyeing industries, evidenced by the wealth of publications, initiatives, funding and discussions dedicated to eco-friendly colour.

Scientists are pioneering cutting-edge methods in dye and pigment manufacturing to reduce the textile industry’s reliance on water, harmful chemicals and traditional fossil-fuel-derived colourants. These innovations strive to enhance environmental sustainability, optimise efficiency and improve cost-effectiveness in colour production.

Together with sustainability, a renewed respect for nature, ecological wisdom and historical practices is driving a revival in natural alchemy. Traditional dyestuffs and alternative naturals – derived from plants, fruit and vegetables, minerals and organic waste – are bringing new quality standards, lower-impact, regenerative practices and compelling narratives to both small- and commercial-scale projects.

Nature’s influence also extends to nascent innovations, where plant-derived and biogenic pigments and biomimicry allow for more eco-conscious and resilient finishes to be achieved without compromising on quality, vibrancy or effect. With solutions for non-toxic, iridescent and fluorescent colourants across different media, it’s an area to watch, especially for more decorative and premium applications.