Biogenic Ink
BInc
Client Name
self-initiated
Year
2021-2022
Collab With
Studio Ilfa Siebenhaar, Vienna Textile Lab
Project Scope
A renewable printing ink for the fashion industry
BInc reimagines textile printing with a new generation of biogenic inks, harnessing the power of microbes to create colour without petrochemicals. In collaboration with Vienna Textile Lab, this partnership explores sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes, offering a competitive and environmentally responsible solution for the textile industry.
BInc brings together two pioneering forces: Vienna Textile Lab, experts in cultivating pigment-producing microorganisms, and Living Colour, represented by Kukka and Studio Ilfa Siebenhaar, specialists in translating microbial dyes into innovative applications and compelling colour narratives. Rather than competing in the same field, these partners join forces to push boundaries, challenge industry norms, and set a new standard for sustainable textile printing.
Textile Inks
a regenerative approach
For centuries, colour was sourced from minerals, plants, and animals—until petrochemical dyes reshaped the landscape. Today, over 99% of textile colourants are synthetic, bringing vibrant and affordable hues at a high cost to the environment and human health. The textile, clothing, leather, and footwear (TCLF) industry urgently needs sustainable alternatives, particularly in textile printing, where demand continues to grow.
By developing bacterial pigments for screen printing, block printing and emerging 3D-printing techniques, BInc is committed to reducing raw material use and prioritising recycled, upcycled and surplus textiles. With support from the ELIIT programme, the project refines the technical and economic framework needed to bring the first commercially viable bio-ink to market, introducing a radical shift towards regenerative colour in textile printing.
Project
Concept and Design
Laura Luchtman, Kukka
Ilfa Siebenhaar, Studio Ilfa Siebenhaar
Vienna Textile Lab team
Karin Fleck
Iva Pessoa
Mascha Rauscher
Liz Rodriguez Bringas
Célia Lointier
Exhibitions
Techtextil
Made possible by
ELIIT by European Commission
