The textile industry is one of the sectors with the greatest environmental impact, particularly due to the use of synthetic dyes and the discharge of coloured effluents into aquatic systems. These compounds are often persistent and difficult to remove from wastewater, contributing to water pollution and increasing the environmental footprint of textile production. In this context, the development of sustainable alternatives to conventional dyes is increasingly recognised as a priority, both from an environmental and industrial perspective. Natural pigments produced by microorganisms represent a promising option, offering a renewable source of colourants with potentially lower ecological impact.
The InnovColor project aims to develop innovative biopigments produced by microorganisms for application in textile dyeing. The project focuses on the exploration of actinobacteria and cyanobacteria as sources of novel pigments with attractive colour properties and potential industrial relevance. These microorganisms are known for their capacity to synthesize structurally diverse secondary metabolites, including pigments with a wide chromatic range. By exploring microbial diversity and optimizing biotechnological production processes, the project seeks to generate new natural colour solutions suitable for textile applications.
A central aspect of InnovColor is the development of sustainable production approaches for these biopigments. The project will investigate the use of renewable and low-value biomass streams, including by-products from the agri-food sector, as substrates for microbial fermentation. This strategy contributes simultaneously to waste valorisation and to the development of more resource-efficient industrial processes, in line with circular bioeconomy principles.
In parallel, the project will evaluate the suitability of the produced pigments for textile dyeing applications. Particular attention will be given to expanding the colour palette achievable with natural pigments, including the potential to combine different pigments to obtain a broader spectrum of colours. The work also considers aspects related to environmental compatibility and safety, supporting the development of alternatives that may reduce the environmental burden associated with conventional synthetic dyes.
Overall, InnovColor seeks to contribute to the transition toward more sustainable textile production systems by promoting the use of bio-based colourants and circular bioprocesses. The knowledge and technologies generated within the project may support the textile sector in adopting environmentally responsible practices while creating new opportunities for the valorisation of biological resources and industrial by-products.
The project is aligned with several European policy priorities, including the European Green Deal, the EU Circular Economy Action Plan, and the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, all of which highlight the importance of developing sustainable materials and resource-efficient production systems. By advancing microbial biopigments as alternatives to synthetic dyes, InnovColor aims to support innovation in the textile sector while contributing to reduced environmental impact and improved resource use.