Colorifix

Colorifix is a biotechnology company that has developed a completely biological process to produce, deposit, and fix pigments onto textiles. The company was co-founded in 2016 by Professor Jim Ajioka (Chief Scientific Officer) and Dr. Orr Yarkoni (CEO), who were researchers at the University of Cambridge. Their journey began in 2013 while developing biosensors in Nepal to monitor drinking water quality. They witnessed the severe environmental damage caused by the textile dyeing industry, which consumes trillions of liters of water annually and is a major source of industrial water pollution. This experience prompted them to apply their technology to solve the pollution problem at its source rather than just monitoring it.

The company's core technology utilizes synthetic biology. It starts by identifying the DNA sequences responsible for colors found in nature—from organisms like plants, animals, and microbes—using online databases. This genetic code is then inserted into a safe, engineered microbe, such as bacteria or yeast, which acts as a miniature biological factory to produce the desired pigment. These color-producing microbes are then grown in large-scale fermenters, feeding on renewable resources like sugar molasses and agricultural by-products.

Colorifix's business model involves shipping small quantities of these engineered microbes to textile mills and dye houses. These clients then cultivate the pigments on-site using standard fermentation equipment, a 'grow-your-own' approach that reduces transportation pollution. The entire fermentation broth, including the microbes containing the pigment, is then transferred directly into conventional dyeing machines with the fabric. When heated, the microbes burst and release the color, which binds to the fibers, eliminating the need for many of the toxic chemicals and mordants used in traditional dyeing. This process significantly reduces environmental impact, with independently verified savings of up to 77% in water, 53% in electricity, and a 31% reduction in CO2 emissions.

Headquartered in Norwich, UK, Colorifix primarily serves the fashion and textile industry, partnering with brands like H&M, Pangaia, and Vollebak to bring sustainably dyed products to market. The company is also exploring partnerships in the cosmetics and homewares sectors. Colorifix has expanded its operations to Europe and Latin America and has granted licenses in India and Sri Lanka. The company has secured significant funding to support its transition to full-scale commercial production, including an £18 million Series B round in 2022 and a further $18 million in 2025, with investors including Inter IKEA Group, H&M Group Ventures, and Regeneration.VC.

Keywords: biological dyeing, synthetic biology, textile dyeing, sustainable fashion, microbial pigments, fermentation, eco-friendly textiles, water reduction, chemical-free dyeing, biotech, circular economy, natural dyes, dyehouse technology, sustainable manufacturing, DNA sequencing, engineered microbes, textile innovation, pigment production, greentech, fashion technology, industrial biotechnology