Pangaia, Sparxell and MTC claim “breakthrough” in world-first bio colour innovation

A trio of UK-based businesses have come up with what they say is the world’s first plastic-free, toxin-free and fully biodegradable reflective pigment.

It’s been delivered by a collaboration between University of Cambridge spin-out Sparxell, with one of the UK’s leading independent research and tech organisations the Manufacturing Technology Centre, and global materials science company Pangaia. 

The 18-month Innovate UK-funded Elucent project “shows how science, engineering and design can work together to create new, sustainable colour technologies”.

The project “has successfully moved bio-based pigments from laboratory research to industrial readiness,” we’re told.

The companies have combined Sparxell’s pioneering cellulose-based colour platform with Pangaia’s expertise in design application, and the MTC’s ability to scale processes for industry.

Pangaia tested the pigments on textiles in collaboration with London-based Orto Print Studio, producing printed fabric prototypes and testing durability. It said this step bridges lab innovation with real-world applications of these bio-based colourants in fashion and beyond.

Meanwhile MTC ensured the pigments could be scaled beyond the lab, “building custom production systems and validating performance at an industrial level”.

A commercial launch is projected for 2026.