On June 19, 2025, something big happened in the world of sustainable fashion—but it didn’t take place on a runway. It happened inside a laboratory in Norwich, United Kingdom, where Prince William and Cate Blanchett—two powerful global voices for the environment—put on lab coats and goggles to visit a company named Colorifix.
Now, what does this mean for us at Save Handloom Foundation, thousands of kilometers away in India?
Everything.
Because what Colorifix is doing could change how the entire textile and fashion industry dyes its fabrics—and save water, reduce pollution, and create a safer world for our weavers and artisans too.
🧪 What is Colorifix Doing That’s So Special?
Colorifix is a biotech company that creates natural dyes using a method inspired by DNA and fermentation. Sounds scientific? Let’s break it down.
🌈 Step-by-Step: Nature Meets Science
- Color from Nature
Colorifix looks for vibrant colors found in nature—like from plants, flowers, insects, and even microorganisms. - DNA Mapping
They identify the specific DNA code that creates that color. Think of it like finding nature’s recipe for a particular shade. - Microbial Fermentation
They then insert this DNA code into safe, non-toxic microbes (tiny organisms), which are grown in large tanks—like making curd or brewing beer. - Natural Dye is Born
As the microbes grow, they naturally produce the dye—without any toxic chemicals, heavy metals, or petroleum-based colors.
💧 Why This Matters So Much
The current dyeing process in the fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters of water in the world. It uses:
- Tons of water
- Heavy toxic chemicals
- Artificial petroleum-based colors
- Non-biodegradable waste
And who suffers the most?
🧶 Artisans. Weavers. Dyers. Rivers. Soil. Livelihoods.
This is why Colorifix’s new method is a major breakthrough:
- It reduces water usage by over 80%
- It doesn’t use any harmful chemicals
- It is completely biodegradable
- It is safer for both people and the planet
👑 Why Prince William and Cate Blanchett Were There
Both of them are strong environmental voices. Prince William launched the Earthshot Prize to encourage innovation for the planet. Colorifix was a finalist in this global competition under the category “Build a Waste-Free World.”
Cate Blanchett is part of the Earthshot Council. She is also a public advocate for climate action, ethical fashion, and circular economy.
Their visit wasn’t just for a photo-op. It sent a global message: Clean dyeing is the future of fashion.
They toured:
- DNA labs to see how color is created from genetic code
- Fermentation tanks where microbes grow and make dye naturally
- Clothing samples dyed using this process—proof that this isn’t just theory. It’s ready for real-world use
🧵 What This Means for Us in India
At Save Handloom Foundation, we work with thousands of weavers and artisans who use natural fibers like cotton, silk, and linen. We already avoid synthetic materials. But even our handloom fabrics sometimes depend on chemical dyes that are harmful to health and the environment.
Now imagine this:
- Natural fabrics + natural, DNA-based dyes
- Artisans empowered with eco-safe color techniques
- Rivers and water sources untouched by chemical runoff
- A truly sustainable Indian handloom revolution
🌍 How We Can Lead the Change
We believe Indian handloom has everything needed to lead the future of fashion—if we modernize with the right tools:
1. Educate Weavers
We can start training programs to teach weavers about new dyeing technologies that are safe, natural, and sustainable.
2. Collaborate with Biotech Startups
Why not bring Colorifix-style research to India? Collaborate with Indian scientists and universities to create our own version of bio-dye suited for Indian plants.
3. Pilot in Handloom Clusters
Launch small-scale pilot programs in handloom hubs like Chendamangalam, Maheshwar, Kutch, or Varanasi, where artisans can try out safe, natural dyeing without risking their income.
4. Push for Policy Support
Encourage the Indian government to fund research and support startups that focus on natural dyes, so artisans get access to eco-friendly solutions at affordable prices.
✨ Conclusion: A Royal Message for a Grassroots Revolution
When royalty and celebrities are stepping into science labs to support planet-friendly fashion, it’s a signal to the entire world:
Change is not just coming. It’s already here.
And at Save Handloom Foundation, we are ready.
- Ready to embrace innovation.
- Ready to protect our rivers.
- Ready to give our artisans tools that are as kind to the Earth as their fabrics are to the skin.
Let’s take inspiration from this royal visit—and start weaving a future where fashion heals the planet, not harms it.