Colorifix’s DNA driven dyeing innovation scales up sustainability
- Joan Ubide
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 7
Colorifix is pioneering a DNA‑driven dyeing process that aligns closely with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By engineering bacteria and yeast to manufacture natural pigments via fermentation, the company has devised a way to integrate colour into textiles through conventional dyeing machinery, while slashing water, energy and chemical use dramatically.
A biological breakthrough in textile dyeing
Traditional textile dyeing is notorious for its environmental toll: it consumes about 5 trillion litres of water annually, accounts for nearly 20 % of industrial water pollution, and relies heavily on petrochemical-derived dyes. Colorifix tackles this head-on by decoding the DNA of pigments found in nature and transferring those sequences into non-pathogenic microbes (bacteria or yeast). These microbes ferment on renewable feedstocks to produce pigment in situ, then apply it directly to fabrics, essentially turning cells into dye-delivery systems.
This approach achieves around 90 % water savings and 70 % less energy use, while eliminating toxic chemicals, a major leap toward responsible consumption and pollution reduction.
From lab to large‑scale supply chains
Since its founding in 2016, Colorifix has garnered support from organisations like H&M, Pangaia, Vollebak, Hugo Boss, and Stella McCartney, with trials spanning dyehouses in Portugal, Bosnia, India and beyond. Partnerships with the Earlham Institute and recognition from initiatives like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation reinforce its technical credibility.
However, scaling remains a challenge: dyehouses need fermentation infrastructure and regulatory approval to handle live microbes. Colorifix is navigating these hurdles with a semi‑distributed model, aiming to embed its process seamlessly within existing supply‑chain operations.
Real‑world traction & royal endorsement
In June 2025, Prince William and Cate Blanchett toured Colorifix’s labs in Norwich, under the auspices of the Earthshot Prize, highlighting the broader impact of the technology. The visit also brought attention to Colourfix’s exploration of metallic pigments, showcasing ongoing innovation.
The royal endorsement underscores how the Global Society and international recognition can accelerate sustainable innovations. It signals to brands, regulators and consumers that biotechnology-led dyeing is emerging as a credible alternative to petrochemical dependency in textile production.
Technical depth, how the microbe‑factory works
The process begins with sequencing the pigment-producing genes from plants, animals or microbes. Engineers then synthesise these gene blocks—often using tools like IDT’s gBlocks, and splice them into host microbes. These engineered microbes replicate rapidly, fermenting sugars or agricultural by-products into coloured biomass.
Crucially, during dyeing, the microbial cells adhere to textile fibres. A heat cycle causes the cells to burst, depositing pigment directly into the fabric, without auxiliary chemicals. Remaining cell fragments are washed out with minimal detergent, leaving a vivid, fixed colour.
Looking ahead: Ecosystem integration & climate impact
Colorifix projects that by 2030, up to 15 % of global textile dyeing could employ its method. With water savings alone offsetting billions of litres annually, this aligns powerfully with SDG targets for sustainable industrialisation and water stewardship.
Future success hinges on more than biotech ingenuity. It requires global collaboration, from policy harmonisation and supply-chain training to consumer acceptance. As Colorifix integrates with high‑street brands and scientific institutions, it illustrates the synergy of microbiology, industry and environmental stewardship.
Colorifix stands at the forefront of a textile revolution: one where synthetic biology, supply‑chain cooperation and global-purpose investment coalesce to dismantle petrochemical reliance in dyeing. This innovation encapsulates the essence of SDG 12 and SDG 13, driving responsible consumption and climate action through creative scientific rigor. Continued support, both political and industrial, will be essential to scale its impact and chart a cleaner future for global garment production.
More information: https://www.colorifix.com/
Youtube credits: https://www.youtube.com/@GoingGreenOfficial
