World First: Nature – Inspired Textile Ink Launches from Sparxell

Cambridge-based colour technology startup Sparxell has launched the world’s first plant-based, biodegradable textile ink—a major leap forward in sustainable fashion. Developed by scientists from the University of Cambridge and created in partnership with Positive Materials, this innovation marks a new era of eco-conscious colour for the fashion industry.

Inspired by natural phenomena like the Morpho butterfly, Sparxell’s ink uses structural colour—light manipulation through engineered plant-based cellulose—not synthetic dyes or metals. The result: vivid, durable colours without the environmental cost.

Now available in Sparxell’s signature blue, in both matte and shimmer finishes, the ink can be ordered like any conventional ink—no custom development required. Fashion brands from startups to global houses can now access high-performance colour that’s entirely biodegradable and toxin-free.

Launching with printed cotton jersey garments in September 2025 (Europe), the rollout will expand into more colours throughout the year, thanks to Sparxell’s versatile platform.

This launch comes at a critical time: the fashion industry uses over 10,000 chemicals in colouring, contributing to 1.5 million tonnes of toxic waste and up to 2% of global GHG emissions annually. Sparxell’s innovation drastically cuts water and energy use, eliminating harmful pollution.

Backed by a €1.9M EIC grant and LVMH’s La Maison des Startups, Sparxell is scaling quickly—and redefining what colour in fashion can mean.

Learn more: sparxell.com