Prince William has visited Colorifix, a British company pioneering sustainable textile dyeing through DNA sequencing technology.
The Prince was accompanied by actress and Earthshot Prize Council Member Cate Blanchett during the tour of the innovative firm.
Colorifix reached the finals of the 2023 Earthshot Prize in the 'Build a Waste Free World' category. The company has developed a revolutionary approach to fabric dyeing that harnesses nature's own colours whilst dramatically reducing the fashion industry's environmental footprint.
During their visit, the Prince and Blanchett were guided through each stage of the dyeing process across multiple laboratories. They observed how Colorifix identifies DNA codes that produce natural pigments and witnessed the transformation of these codes into sustainable dyes that work with standard industrial machinery.
Prince William has visited Colorifix, a British company pioneering sustainable textile dyeing through DNA sequencing technology.
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The innovative process begins by identifying colours found naturally in animals, plants or microbes. Scientists then use DNA sequencing to locate the genetic code responsible for producing that specific pigment.
This genetic information is translated and inserted into harmless microorganisms. These microbes are then transported to dye houses where they multiply through fermentation, producing the desired colour naturally.
The resulting dye requires no petrochemicals and works effectively on both natural and synthetic materials. It can be applied using existing industrial dyeing equipment, making adoption straightforward for manufacturers.
Traditional synthetic dyes pose significant environmental hazards, contaminating waterways and threatening wildlife.
The textile dyeing industry consumes five trillion litres of water annually - equivalent to two million Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The Prince was accompanied by actress and Earthshot Prize Council Member Cate Blanchett during the tour of the innovative firm.
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Colorifix's sustainable approach eliminates these environmental concerns by removing petrochemicals entirely from the dyeing process.
The technology significantly reduces water consumption at every stage of production whilst preventing harmful chemical runoff into ecosystems.
The company's laboratories demonstrated to the royal visitor and Blanchett how their biological dyeing method cuts energy usage and carbon emissions throughout the manufacturing cycle.
Unlike conventional dyeing that relies on petroleum-based chemicals, Colorifix's fermentation process creates colours using only natural biological processes.
This revolutionary technique addresses one of fashion's most polluting practices.
Traditional dyeing methods have long been criticised for their devastating impact on water resources and aquatic life, making Colorifix's chemical-free alternative a crucial development for sustainable textile production.
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The Prize's support has enhanced the company's expertise in scaling biology-driven climate solutions and raised its profile within the fashion industry.
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Founded in 2016, Colorifix has secured partnerships with major fashion brands including H&M, Pangaia and Vollebak.
The company now operates across three facilities in Europe and India, employing 85 people with plans to expand to additional factories this year.
Recognition as an Earthshot Prize finalist has provided Colorifix with a platform for accelerated growth.
The Prize's support has enhanced the company's expertise in scaling biology-driven climate solutions and raised its profile within the fashion industry.
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