100% bacterial dye

“LAB_MADE” illustrates the potential of grown pigments. These samples have been dyed with pigments obtained from bacteria. Bacteria can be grown instead of produced and their rapid production rate makes them an interesting resource to work with.

As a result of a cross-disciplinary research supported by Textiellab Amsterdam, UMC, and WaagSociety, designer Karlijne Opmeer developed a microbial colour library produced by bacteria in a closed system with little water and energy; a sustainable alternative to todays dyeing industry. A living colour palette is created which serves as a starting point that can potentially write the future of the dyeing industry.