Research-based dye improves textile sustainability

Scientists have unlocked a way to dye polyester using 90% fewer chemicals and 40% less water.

Born from an ongoing collaboration between the Schools of Design and Chemistry at Leeds, SwitchDye makes it easier to insert and remove dyes from the fibre by injecting a small amount of carbonated water into the dye bath. This triggers the dyes’ unique switching behaviour within the polyester fibres.

SwitchDye could transform the textile industry by reducing its huge water use footprint and its pollution problem.

Dr Nathanial Crompton

Impact

• Advancing sustainability: SwitchDye helps to make the textile industry more circular and sustainable, in both the dyeing and recycling stages.

Key information

• Major funders: The Clothworkers’ Foundation, The Dyers' Company, The John Lewis Partnership Circular Future Fund in collaboration with Hubbub, the Northern Triangle Talent Project (led by the University of Sheffield), and the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
• Partners and collaborators: The Clothworkers’ Company
• Disciplines: chemistry, design
• Investigators: Dr Nathaniel Crompton, Dr Harrison Oates, Professor Richard Blackburn, Professor Chris Rayner.

Keywords: textiles, spinout, clothes dying, clothes recycling, textiles recycling, polyester, water use, carbon footprint, pollution, waste, circular economy, Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour (LITAC), Sustainable Materials,