Natural Blue Dye from Spirulina for Sustainable Textiles

Natural blue pigment fycocyanine from spirulina is being developed for sustainable textile dyeing in the EU-funded 'Blauwe Keten' project. Led by Centexbel, the initiative involves partners from Flanders and the Netherlands, including KU Leuven and Universiteit Gent, to create a versatile dye protocol for diverse materials. Spirulina is cultivated in raceway ponds, and fycocyanine is extracted for use in textiles and coatings. Early tests confirm effective dyeing results, supporting eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic dyes. The project invites industry collaboration to advance sustainable dyeing practices.