20% of freshwater pollution is attributed to the use of synthetic dyes and finishes (Kant, R., ‘Textile dyeing industry: An environmental hazard’, Natural Science, Vol. 4, 1 (2012), p.23).

A key element that helps ensure compostability for textiles is avoiding the use of synthetic dyes. Natural dyes from plants, insects and minerals are an excellent alternative with a tried and tested track record, historically.

Many Irish brands, including fellow pilot participant LA Knitwear, are trying to use natural, local and biodegradable raw materials for their products. The niche for providing natural dye services to brands is underserved in Ireland, but the interest from both brands and consumers is growing.

• Design for Cyclability
• Design from Safe, Renewable and Recycled Materials

Talú are currently developing a streamlined and scaleable natural dyeing service for slow fashion brands. In the short-term, this involves getting their test swatches professionally tested for colour fastness. They are also looking to implement a rainwater-catchment system and a way to re-circulate the water used in the dyeing process.

Through surveys & research gathered in the prototyping phase, Talú learned that their potential clients need clear communication & reassurance on the entire dyeing process in order to commit their products, as well as a prior guarantee of colour fastness, either through certification or third-party testing.

They have also been limited by logistical difficulties created by the recent loss of their core studio & production space. They are currently looking for a studio space or small industrial unit of at least 25m2 with parking space and plumbing in either Dublin, Wicklow or Kildare.

Talú’s goal is to develop an efficient natural dyeing service for industry from Irish plants & through regenerative practices. For this they need to:

• Obtain garment-dyeing and cone-dyeing machinery to streamline and scale their processes.
• Build partnerships with farmers who can grow dye plants at a scale in Ireland, using regenerative practices.
• Develop dye extracts from Irish-grown plants, both for in-house use and for wholesale.

In the long-term, they also hope to found their own farm locally to educate brands, manufacturers and the public on the process of yarn growth and production, and plant dyeing.

Talú’s goal for the next three years is to be dyeing at least 50kg of yarn/fabric/garments per month. Their planned dyeing service will extend the life cycle of thousands of natural fibre garments before redirecting them from landfill by facilitating their safe return to the soil.

In the next five years they hope to regularly employ at least 10 people in fulfilling work in their circular business model.

As pioneers of such a dyeing service in Ireland, they will lead by example and expect to see demand for naturally-dyed garments increase exponentially, with the infrastructure they create inspiring and incentivising bigger brands & dye houses to adopt natural dyeing techniques.

• Will there be enough interest to financially sustain this model?
• Will there be concerns from the EPA or the planning authorities when scaling up, regarding water effluent?

To move from prototype to pilot, Talú is looking for the following: 

• Clients, particularly brands interested in offering naturally dyed garments to their customers
• Funding and partnerships that align with Talús circular commitments
• A production space in the wider Dublin area

Website: https://talu.earth