New report explores how algae could transform the textile industry
From vibrant dyes to innovative fibres, algae are emerging as a gamechanger for sustainable fashion. A new report for the LOCALITY project has been published, based on a comprehensive literature review and hands-on experiments. It reveals how these aquatic organisms could help revolutionise the textile industry—reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and paving the way for environmentally safe and circular production.
Algae in Action: Fibres, Dyes, and Beyond
Researchers analysed the latest scientific studies and found that algae are already making waves in two key areas:
Yarn and fibre production: Alginate, derived from brown macroalgae, is leading the charge, offering a natural alternative to conventional materials.
Dyeing and finishing: Both macroalgae and microalgae, especially cyanobacteria, are being explored for their rich pigments and large-scale potential, which could replace synthetic dyes and reduce environmental impact.
Bridging the Gap: From Lab to Large Scale
While the potential is clear, the report highlights important knowledge gaps. Scientists call for more research to identify the best algae species, optimise dyeing processes, and ensure that algae-dyed textiles maintain their colour and quality over time can meet colour fastness requirements from the industry.
Putting Theory to the Test
The report also shares results from two practical experiments:
A dye formulation, developed by project partner Mounid, was tested in a pilot facility at the University of Borås. The results? Promising, it results in a visually appealing blue shade that bonds well to cellulosic fabrics, and prototypes demonstrates real-world applicability. However, with room for improvement in colour fastness and application.
Biomass from project partners was screened to pinpoint the most suitable algae species for further development.
A Green Thread for the Future
The findings are clear: algae have the potential to play a much bigger role in sustainable textiles. But to turn this vision into reality, more research and collaboration are needed to establish an entirely new local algae-dye value chain for textiles.
Could algae be the key to a cleaner, greener wardrobe? The journey has only just begun. Have look at what our LOCALITY partners already produced. Really nice examples are the algae dyed kimono by Mounid. And the demonstration of industrial algae dyeing with Mounid’s dye at the University of Borås – The Swedish School of Textiles – along with a handbag prototype made from the dyed fabric.
Progress during further dyeing trials and methods
Mounid dyed fabric
Algae-dyed kimono by Mounid
Handbag prototype made from the dyed fabric