Algae-based black pigment named among TIME’s best inventions

Living Ink Technologies has been named among TIME magazine’s Best Inventions of 2026 in the Sustainability category for its Algae Black technology, which converts algae and other biological waste streams into renewable black pigment. The Colorado-based company offers an alternative to conventional petroleum-derived carbon black for applications across textiles, apparel, packaging and other industries.

Developed by co-founders Scott Fulbright and Stevan Albers, Algae Black is produced from underutilised agricultural, food and industrial waste, including algae byproducts and brewery yeast. Living Ink describes its pigments as carbon-negative and says they can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes without requiring equipment or infrastructure changes.

This compatibility allows manufacturers to replace conventional carbon black while maintaining the colour consistency and performance required for established products. The company is also collaborating with manufacturing and packaging partners, including EcoEnclose, Yuto Eco-Tech, Trimco Group and NextGen Packaging, to expand commercial adoption.

In the fashion and textile sectors, Algae Black has been used in Stella McCartney runway apparel, footwear, printed textiles and packaging. The pigment also forms the basis of Living Ink’s Algae Ink printing range, with potential applications extending to cosmetics, plastics, rubber products and paints.

CEO Scott Fulbright said the technology aims to unlock the potential of microalgae and other biological resources, while chief technology officer Stevan Albers highlighted its ability to replace fossil-based materials without compromising existing production systems or design quality. The recognition comes amid growing industry pressure to reduce the environmental impact of colourants and other chemical inputs.