Bio-based Denim Dye Scales for Safer Manufacturing
New textile dyes help mills eliminate harsh chemicals, marking a shift toward more sustainable denim production for consumers.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Organic Food
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Utah-based Chloris Colors has scaled the production of its bio-based denim dye, Claessen Blue, which eliminates the need for sodium hydrosulfite. The dye is now being integrated into supply chains, with Gap China and YeeHoO securing commercial orders throughout 2026.
Why it matters
The transition to bio-based inputs in textile manufacturing aims to reduce the chemical burden of denim production, which historically relies on harsh synthetic agents. Certifications provide mills and brands with verified standards for assessing the health and environmental impacts of these newer material alternatives.
Claessen Blue holds a four-star rating under the TÜV Austria OK biobased scheme and meets GOTS 7.0 and OEKO-TEX Eco Passport requirements. These certifications confirm the dye's composition and chemical safety profile compared to synthetic benchmarks currently used in the global industry.
The players
Chloris Colors
A Utah-based company focused on developing bio-based, sustainable alternatives to traditional synthetic textile dyes.
Gap China
The Chinese division of the global clothing retailer that incorporated the bio-based dye into its denim product lines.
The details
Produced through fermentation using renewable plant-based feedstocks, Claessen Blue replaces sodium hydrosulfite and requires lower alkalinity than traditional synthetic indigo. Mills can adopt the dye using existing denim dyeing equipment, provided they make necessary process adjustments. Chloris coordinates directly with brands and mills to confirm target color and performance metrics before initiating production.
Timeline
2026: Gap China and YeeHoO placed commercial orders for the bio-based dye.
October 2026: Artistic Milliners and AGI Denim presented garments made with the dye in Amsterdam.
Health Landscape
The adoption of GOTS 7.0 standards marks a shift in how chemical inputs are evaluated for toxicity and environmental safety in global textile supply chains. This development reflects a broader movement to reduce the industry's reliance on synthetic chemicals that may pose health risks during manufacturing.
While these advancements in textile chemistry primarily affect factory safety and environmental exposure, consumers can track brand transparency initiatives when shopping for denim. Check clothing labels or company sustainability reports for third-party chemical certifications like GOTS or OEKO-TEX.
The takeaway
Advancements in bio-based manufacturing aim to remove harsh chemicals from the denim supply chain. When evaluating your clothing purchases, look for certifications that indicate chemical safety, such as the OEKO-TEX Eco Passport or GOTS standards, which offer transparency about a product's input materials.
Further reading
Learn more about the broader movement toward safer supply chains in our Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WWD.
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