The Coffee Coloring for Sustainable Textiles project aims to establish an ecosystem for bio-based colorants in textile applications by utilizing industrial coffee side streams as a sustainable source of pigments. The project addresses the growing need for environmentally responsible alternatives to fossil-based synthetic dyes and focuses on creating a scalable, regulation-compliant value chain for bio-based textile coloration.
The project brings together research and industry partners to identify barriers to adoption, define common requirements and prepare a larger Co-Innovation initiative. Activities include stakeholder interviews, workshops, technical and market assessments, and the development of pilot concepts and a shared innovation roadmap.
Background
The textile industry remains heavily dependent on synthetic fossil-based colorants that pose environmental, health and regulatory challenges. At the same time, European legislation and market expectations increasingly require sustainable and traceable coloring solutions.
Although bio-based colorants have been investigated in research settings, industrial adoption has remained limited due to challenges related to scalability, consistency, quality management, regulation and fragmented value chains. Industrial coffee side streams present a promising untapped resource for sustainable color production, creating an opportunity for circular economy innovation.
Goal
The project seeks to:
- Build a committed ecosystem of 5-9 companies representing the textile value chain.
- Identify and validate key technical, regulatory and commercial barriers.
- Define common quality and process requirements for bio-based colorants.
- Develop pilot concepts and evaluation frameworks.
- Prepare a high-quality Co-Innovation proposal with committed partners.
- Establish the foundation for internationally scalable and commercially viable biocolor solutions.
Impact
The project promotes circular economy principles by converting industrial coffee side streams into higher-value materials for textile coloration. It supports the transition away from fossil-based chemicals and contributes to more sustainable production systems.
The project is expected to strengthen the competitiveness of participating companies, create new innovation and export opportunities, and support the development of environmentally responsible textile products. For TAMK, the project enhances research excellence, industry collaboration and international visibility in sustainable materials and textile innovation.
Funding source
Business Finland Co-Creation
Main funder
Business Finland
Contact persons
kai.lankinen [at] tuni.fi