Biocolores develops bio-based colorants, advanced coloring solutions, and water-based printing inks derived from industrial side streams, including waste coffee and fractions from the forest industry. These innovations support sustainable packaging and textile applications, fibre-based products, and environmentally friendly biocolorants for 3D printing and coloring of various particles.
Our multidisciplinary team brings together among others expertise in bioproducts, materials science, chemistry, laboratory analysis, packaging, textile technology, printing, and the circular economy. By integrating these fields, we replace fossil-based and synthetic colorants with renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable alternatives. This approach enables us to deliver environmentally sustainable and cost-efficient solutions that enhance industrial performance both locally and internationally.
Research themes
- Extraction, stabilisation, and formulation of bio-based colorants.
- Performance validation, including colour strength, UV resistance, recyclability, and life cycle assessment.
- Process optimisation and AI-assisted development.
- Regulatory and sustainability metrics, such as CO₂ footprint, water footprint, PPWR/EuPIA compliance, recyclability, and biodegradability.
- Knowledge transfer through teaching and industrial pilot projects.
- Scalability from laboratory research to proof of concept, pilot projects, demonstration plants, and commercialisation.
Current problem
The packaging and textile industries remain heavily dependent on fossil-based and synthetic colorants, which contribute to environmental pollution and restrict material recyclability. Traditional inks and pigments are typically produced from nonrenewable raw materials and require significant natural resource inputs. Consequently, achieving circular economy objectives and transitioning towards fully sustainable production remains a substantial challenge.
Our solution
Biocolores is a pioneer in developing bio‑based colorants and water‑based printing inks from industrial side streams. Through advanced waste valorisation, our multidisciplinary team transforms these by-products into high-quality, renewable pigments and inks, rigorously validated for packaging, textiles, and 3D printing applications.
Recent pilot projects have demonstrated successful industrial printing using coffee-based inks. The results show excellent performance and strong compatibility with recyclable fibre-based materials.
Future impact
By replacing synthetic colorants with scalable, biodegradable, and recyclable bio-based alternatives, Biocolores supports the transition towards genuinely sustainable coloring solutions for packaging and textiles. Our innovations help reduce environmental impact, increase the value of industrial side streams, and contribute to international sustainability targets. Through this work, TAMK and its partners strengthen their role as leaders in the global green transition of the industry.
Summary
Biocolores reinforces TAMK’s position as a leader in sustainable packaging and textile technology, and supports circular economy aims in Finland and across the EU. Through active collaboration with industry, academia, and public organisations, we deliver scalable, market-ready solutions that address global sustainability challenges and promote international commercialisation.
Leader
Kai Lankinen
Principal Researcher
Kai Lankinen
