Sparxell Unveils First Plant-Based Bioinspired Structural Colour Ink

Cambridge-based colour tech firm Sparxell has launched the world’s first commercially available plant-based structural colour ink, developed in collaboration with Positive Materials. This revolutionary textile ink, derived from Sparxell’s bioinspired, dye-free pigments, is made entirely from plant-based, biodegradable materials and delivers exceptional performance while eliminating the use of toxic dyes, synthetic plastics, and mined metals.

The launch marks a milestone for sustainable fashion innovation, with the signature blue ink now available in matte and shimmer finishes for kilogram-level commercial orders starting June 2025. The initiative will allow fashion brands — from emerging designers to large mass-market labels — to integrate sustainable colour technology into their collections through standard ordering processes, without needing custom development.

Sparxell's technology mimics the natural structural colouration seen in creatures like the Morpho butterfly by engineering plant cellulose at the microscale to manipulate light. This approach results in vibrant, durable colours without chemical pollution, drastically reducing energy and water consumption.

Printing and production will be handled by Positive Materials, who will launch a cotton jersey product line featuring Sparxell’s ink across European markets in September 2025. The partnership allows for scalable production while upholding stringent environmental standards.

“This launch transforms how brands can access our technology. It proves high performance and sustainability can coexist,” said Dr Benjamin Droguet, CEO of Sparxell.

Elsa Parente, CTO of Positive Materials, added, “Designers can now opt for truly sustainable colourants without compromise. This is the innovation the industry needs.”

Sparxell’s solution answers the fashion industry’s urgent need for alternatives to its chemically intensive dyeing processes, which contribute significantly to environmental pollution and carbon emissions. With plans to release a broader colour range in 2025, Sparxell is setting a new benchmark for sustainable colouration in textiles.