Tree waste creates black pigment for denim
Denim company AGI has created a collection dyed with a black pigment extracted from twigs and branches - waste obtained from sustainably managed forests.
Its partner, US-based Nature Coatings, was set up in 2017 by CEO Jane Palmer, who had worked with pigments and dyes in the apparel industry for over 15 years and recognised the interest in plant-based dyes.
She said: “AGI asked for samples and were able to show their customers quickly. On our side, We developed this product for easy adoption. It comes as a liquid or water-based dispersion or concentrated ink. It can be mixed directly into existing formulations, and it can be used with existing equipment.”
The two companies met at Kingpins and have been trialling the product over the course of the year.
Ms Palmer said the pigment is comparable with petroleum-based pigments in terms of performance and cost. It doesn’t fade in the sun and isn’t affected by sweat or humidity.
She added: “The manufacturing process is closed loop, the only by-product is the steam, which we capture and use to power the equipment.”
Nature Coatings participated in Fashion for Good’s Accelerator Programme and is currently part of its Scaling Programme. It is a portfolio company at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator.
The pigment could be used as a colouring in other sectors, including automotive, wood, packaging, furniture and plastics, added Ms Palmer.
She was speaking as part of the Kingpins24 event.
Image credit: Nature Coatings
