Brilliant Dyes, a spinout under formation at Imperial, has been recognised in the H&M Global Change Awards 2025 for natural dyes it is developing from algae. Abigail Turner finds out more about its low-energy extraction process.
A spinout under Imperial College London is among the winners of this year’s H&M Global Change Awards.
Brilliant Dyes won its award for the natural dyes it is developing from algae. By harnessing phycocyanin from cyanobacteria to produce biodegradable, non-toxic dyes through a low energy process, the spinout aims to contribute to a cleaner colour supply chain.
In addition, to EU€200,000 in financial support, Brilliant Dyes will gain access to a network of mentors, collaborators and industry leaders to help bring its solutions to life. Mohammad Redwanur Rahman, a PhD student, and Md Tabish Noori UKRI postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Chemical Engineering speaks to WTiN about the spinout.
The problem with synthetic dyes
“The idea for the spinout was motivated by the environmental challenges associated with synthetic dyes in the fashion and textiles industries, particularly in regions like Bangladesh, India, China, and Vietnam,” says Rahman.
Synthetic dyes can contain up to and over 70 harmful chemicals that are non-biodegradable. They are estimated to contribute to roughly 20% of global water pollution, making dyeing one of the most polluting aspects of textile production.
The researchers are working with industry and academic partners to test and validate Brilliant Dyes’
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