B002 → Caring Colors

Algea Colors

Algae is a valuable new material because it captures CO2 through photosynthesis as it grows. It grows rapidly in aquatic environments, balancing ecosystems by providing food and oxygen. Unlike terrestrial plants, algae do not compete with food crops for arable land, making it a sustainable option for bio-based materials and carbon sequestration.

Screenprinting and painting on textiles and paper

Bacteria Colors

Bacteria produce pigments through metabolic pathways involving specific enzymes encoded by their genes which transform substrates into pigments. These pigments serve protective functions like UV protection and are influenced by environmental factors. Bacterial pigments offer an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes, as they can be sustainably produced from renewable resources with minimal waste.

Dyed textiles by Janthinobacterium lividum
Antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral purple compound. Production occurs when glycerol is the carbon source.

New, Old, Found, Colors

Colors are all around us, in a one-week workshop I explored alternative sources of pigments from waste materials.

Soy Beans (Green) & Avocado (Pink) on Textiles
The peels of soybeans are a huge agricultural waste, it’s particularly effective as soy is a key ingredient in culinary and is used in large amounts to feed cattle. The peels do not reach the final consumer and could be collected in huge amounts at factories without being contaminated.

Avocados are one of the fastest-growing crops in the 21st century, both peels and seeds release a strong pigment that can dye both paper and textiles.

Coffee (Brown) on Paper
Coffee grounds are a post-consumer waste that is largely available in cities. As it goes through a boiling process during coffee making it is not contaminated and is intuitively stored in a specific space in the coffee machine without mixing with other waste sources, which makes it a great option for sustainable pigments.

Group Results