DyeRecycle

DyeRecyle is a UK startup that develops a technology to dye fibers using dye recycled from textile waste. The company uses ionic liquids to carry out a non-destructive separation of fibers and dyes to selectively extract dyes from waste fibers that are adjusted to match specific Pantone hues so that it can be transferred to a new fabric. The process also yields de-colored white fiber, which is a high-value input for mechanical and chemical fiber recyclers. The company’s solution is modular, allowing it to be integrated to existing dyeing facilities. DyeRecycle claims each garment dyed using its technology uses 85% less chemical and 66% less water and generates 75% less carbon emissions compared to conventional dyeing.

As of July 2023, the company’s product was in development stage, producing several meters of fabric, operating at bench-scale out of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College, London, reporting plans to explore opportunities in the UK market. It plans to carry out product-market fit and pilot tests with different supply chain partners to scale up production, as well as produce a small-scale fashion collection to showcase its technology in 2024 or 2025, collaborating with a high-end fashion brand. 

Key customers and partnerships

In May 2022, the company partnered with textile research and development company Future Fashion Factory to test its solution at scale and carry out product development, as well as to access future funding to support a pilot plant. DyeRecycle reports that it has had large, Asia-based textile manufacturers, including in Sri Lanka, expressing interest in its technology. 

Funding and Financials

In June 2023, the company received EUR 200,000 (~USD 223,415) in grant funding from the H&M Foundation as part of its Global Change Award. DyeRecycle will utilize the funding for product development and take part in H&M’s year-long Global Change Award Accelerator Program.