Colour from microbes: new paths for the textile industry
29 Jul 2025
In a London laboratory, a fascinating alternative to conventional textile dyeing is taking shape. Instead of synthetic chemistry, the founders of Post Carbon Lab rely on microorganisms – and a clear mission: to produce dyes from CO₂.
“We are Post Carbon Lab. And what we do, is that we turn carbon dioxide into colours,” says co-founder Dian-Jen Lin. The idea sounds simple – converting CO₂ into pigments with the help of cyanobacteria and microalgae. But behind this concept lies years of research and a system specifically developed for use in urban environments: modular, resource-efficient, and scalable.
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A bio-based system – from lab to practice
The development process begins where many innovations start – with experiments and a great deal of patience. Post Carbon Lab has studied a wide range of microorganisms that thrive in the British climate. The focus: their colour potential, their living conditions, and their resource requirements. Only the most robust candidates progress to the next phase – large-scale cultivation in a closed-loop system that conserves water and does not affect fragile ecosystems.
These dyes are more than just pigments. They contain bioactive molecules that can be embedded in textiles and polymers – without petrochemical additives. This clearly distinguishes the approach from many others in the field of bio-based dyes, which often still rely on fossil-based components. “We don’t use any petrochemical derived ingredients in the process,” Lin emphasises.
Between pioneering work and industrial reality
But the reality in the industry is more complex. Many manufacturers work with highly automated systems tailored to synthetic dyes – precise dosing units, digital colour databases, standardised processes. Biological colours don’t simply fit into these existing structures.
“Most of the UK dyeing and processing infrastructure is built for synthetic colours,” says Lin. It takes time, openness – and pilot projects. In collaboration with a few forward-thinking facilities, Post Carbon Lab is testing how the dyes can be integrated into existing processes. Initial industrial applications are already underway, with batches of up to 500 metres per day. But the major breakthrough will depend not only on the technology, but also on the willingness to collaborate across the supply chain.
A dyeing process with a positive climate balance
What makes microbial dyeing stand out is its environmental footprint. The production process is CO₂-negative – the microorganisms bind more carbon than is released throughout the entire procedure. Water consumption is also significantly lower: up to 97% less compared to conventional dyeing methods.
The result: colours that not only convince visually, but also meet the demands of a more sustainable industry. Free from toxins, free from fossil resources, made entirely from renewable carbon sources.
Colours, free from toxins, free from fossil resources, made entirely from renewable carbon sources. Photo: Post Carbon Lab
New paths, new opportunities
Although the focus is clearly on textiles and polymers, other industries are already showing interest in microbial colour technology. Enquiries have also come from the cosmetics and interiors sectors – from wall paints and wood stains to bedding.
But Post Carbon Lab is not concerned with rapid growth – it’s about building meaningful partnerships. “We co-develop and co-manufacture with our partners,” says Lin. This is the only way to ensure that new processes not only work technically, but also meet practical requirements – and can be scaled reliably.
“We co-develop and co-manufacture with our partners.”
Conclusion: innovation built on collaboration
Post Carbon Lab is a prime example of a new generation of sustainable actors in the textile and polymer industries. The path towards a more climate-friendly future doesn’t depend on new technologies alone – it requires collaboration, openness, and a willingness to look beyond established structures. Those who are ready to take this path will find in microbial colours more than just an alternative – they will discover genuine potential for change.
