Material

Algae

By

Made in

Dye 47 Pigment 49 Algae 10 Silk 6

Algae
Algae
Algae
Algae
Algae
Algae
Algae
Algae
Algae
Algae

Photos: Paul Cochrane

Algae Palette

How can biodesign propose new concepts at the service of nature for the luxury sector?

'Algae Palette' is a collection of textile prints dyed with extracted colours from macro algae species.

Macro algae is a family of diverse colours, sizes and shapes. It can be sourced from anywhere around the world. It has more visibility and an impressively diverse texture. This project started as a hunt to source the most vibrant of colours from macroalgae around the UK and collaborate with UK macro algae farmers. After sourcing species that ranged in colours from reds, greens, and blues. The extraction of these bio pigments created an array of dyes that opened up a new solution to toxic chemical dyes. One of the most pollutant issues in our fashion industry can be solved by a natural source that happens to grow everywhere. The vibrancy of these colours created a palette of several shades to play with textile dyeing, such as tie-dyes. Traditional craftsmanship such as tie-dyeing techniques allowed the algae dyes to take control of the prints on silk and cotton. Bringing algae dyes into luxury fashion and reducing chemical and toxic dyes from the process is a solution towards the toxic waste produced by the fashion industry, providing it with an alternative to producing bio-dye colours.

The extraction process of producing the colours from the species takes some trial and error but the result was rewarding once it was dyed with natural fabrics such as silk. Algae dyes can be a game-changing idea to bring into mass production, bringing a complete circular loop system from farming to product. The waste produced from macro algae can easily be regenerative and put back into our planet. Looking at macro algae from a holistic approach, this is just one solution to building a better future planet.

Information submitted by the maker and edited by the Future Materials Bank.

Ingredients

Macro algae, silk

Credits

LVMH, Maison/0, MA Biodesign

Physical samples

  • 0023-1

Accessible to participants at the Jan van Eyck Academie and during Open Studios.

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