Locality Project advances algae-based textile dyes

The Locality project, a European research initiative focused on expanding and validating algae-based products, has achieved an important milestone. Researchers have successfully produced an aquafeed prototype on an industrial scale. The product will now be tested in a large-scale fish-feeding trial in Norway between August and October 2026.

According to the organization, the successful industrial-scale production demonstrates that the process can be consistently replicated beyond laboratory conditions. This achievement supports Locality’s goal of creating sustainable and nature-friendly algae-based solutions for the aquaculture sector.

As part of the study, project partner Mounid, a Swedish startup specializing in bio-based and biodegradable textile dyes made from microalgae, developed and tested a dye formulation at the University of Borås in Sweden. The research resulted in an attractive blue shade that showed good bonding properties with cellulosic fabrics. Mounid later used the dye to create a kimono.

Although algae-based products show significant promise, Locality emphasized that several challenges still need to be addressed. Further research is required to identify the most effective algae species, improve dyeing techniques, and ensure that algae-based textiles meet industry standards for color fastness and durability.