Scientists create textile dyes from wastewater sludge

DELFT — Researchers at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) have worked with Dutch fashion label Hul le Kes to dye wool garments using a melanin‑like pigment extracted from wastewater sludge.

The team, led by associate professor Dr Yuemei Lin, say they have demonstrated that the recovered biopolymer can be applied to wool dyeing and worn outside the lab, with a first series of knitwear and Hul le Kes pieces showcasing its capabilities.