Natural dye futures

regenerative colour from trees

ao textiles Emma is involved in practice-based research focussing on the concept of using naturally occurring agricultural tree waste to create regenerative, viable, marketable natural dye.

During the first 2020 lockdown where her base unexpectedly changed from London to Somerset she discovered that she had access to an outdoor research lab.

She began brainstorming the testing of plants as dyes in her local area, a 2 mile radius. This included woodland, countryside and a palace heritage garden with the advantage of knowledge from professional gardeners.

Through this process she realised through R&D that it was waste from trees that seemed to hold the most potential: nut hulls, barks, leaves and fruits to give examples.

This research is ongoing, exploring potential avenues in circular, regenerative colour for the fashion textile industry. She is currently linking with relevant farmers, local businesses and anyone directly involved in agroforestry.

Take a look at the following journal posts for more information: Tree Research 1 and Tree Research 2

Feel free to contact ao textiles to link directly with the research.