With 8,000 synthetic chemicals used in the fashion and textile industries, it’s imperative that businesses take action by seeking out natural dye alternatives. New and innovative technology that utilizes bacteria has enormous potential to transform the textile industry. The invention of both natural and synthetic dyes has made it possible for the fashion industry to be as exciting and inventive as it is today. Due to various dyeing techniques, clothing brands have been able to push the limits and produce a wide range of hues, patterns, and color combinations.
Vienna Textile Lab has discovered a way to produce organic colors, made by naturally occurring bacteria to produce a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional synthetic dyes. The Problem with Synthetic Dyes Natural dyes were in existence before synthetic ones, man-made options have become the norm in order to keep up with the production demand of fast fashion. Synthetic dyes are defined by those that are derived mainly from chemicals, and not naturally. The use of synthetic dyes became widespread due to the fact they are much cheaper, can be used on a variety of fabrics, and produce incredibly vibrant colors. These yes are comprised of chemicals such as mercury, lead, chromium, copper, sodium chloride, toluene, and benzene. Businesses should seek out materials made with natural dyes to reduce their chemical impact that are certified by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Oeko-Tex® Standard 100, bluesign®, or the EU Ecolabel. Bacteria Dyes by Vienna Textile Lab Vienna Textile Lab offers an elegant solution to the issue of synthetic without compromising on color vibrancy or quality. Helping designers to use new, innovative methods and materials to reach their sustainability goals, Vienna Textile Lab dyes textiles in a responsible manner that are easy on ecological resources. According to Founder of Vienna Textile Lab Karin Fleck, bacteria are the most environmentally friendly and resource-efficient way to produce textile dyes. Since bacteria occur in nature, they are stored as strains in laboratories and are able to be propagated at any time, providing a natural way to obtain colors. How Does it Work? First discovered in the 17th century, it’s believed that the majority of bacteria found on the planet either unknown or described. Coming in various external forms, bacteria may have spherical or cylindrical shapes, as well as ball chains with branches. Invisible to the naked eye, bacteria multiply by cell division at different rates depending on their adaptability to the environment and temperature. As a response to altered growth conditions, microorganisms can produce microbial dyes to protect cells from external influences such as light, salt, or temperature stress, etc. As a result, these substances can also have an anti-bacterial effect, with bacteria-based textiles dyes having the same properties as conventional dyes. What Solution Do Bacteria Dyes Offer? Synthetic dyes have a large detrimental effect on not only the environment but also human health, especially for those working in the industry who constantly come into contact with these dyes. Everyone wearing clothes is therefore going to be exposed to these chemicals that they contain, which are currently under analytical examination to understand the full harmful effect. With the EU also specifying guidelines on synthetic dyes, harmful dyes are banned on a regular basis or their use is restricted. Creating room for more innovative, sustainable dues, businesses are beginning to understand the full potential for bacteria dyes as they examine their own business practices more thoroughly.