Living Colour

Living Colour is a dyeing innovation by Dutch designers Laura Luchtman of studio Kukka and Ilfa Siebenhaar that uses pigment-producing bacteria to colour textiles and other materials. Living Colour offers a viable alternative to synthetic dyes; the biodegradable dyes can be produced with far less water and energy and without hazardous chemicals or pollution. In addition to ecological benefits, the dyes can be applied to myriad fibres: natural, synthetic, recycled fibres and fibre blends. Growing bacteria as a dye factory can lead to a sustainable way to colour the world.