Archroma has won the 2026 ICIS Innovation Award for Best Product Innovation from a Large Company for its FiberColors® sulfur dyes.
The dyes use pre-consumer wool waste as a key raw material. The innovation reduces the need for petroleum-based inputs and supports greater circularity in textile dyeing.
FiberColors® Uses Wool Waste
FiberColors® builds on Archroma’s patented EarthColors® method. The process replaces conventional raw materials with bio-based feedstock.
The new dyes use at least 50% wool waste as the primary feedstock. The resulting dyes offer dyeing and fastness performance comparable to regular sulfur dyes.
Archroma said the production process does not negatively affect water use, energy use or waste generation.
“FiberColors® is that approach in practice – using an agricultural waste output with high disposal costs to replace a petroleum-based input and produce a dye that performs at scale for mills and brands,” said Julio Perales, Technical & Product Segment Manager Denim, Archroma.
Applications Across Textile Processes
FiberColors® can be used in several dyeing and printing processes. These include exhaust dyeing, continuous dyeing, denim coloration and textile printing.
The dyes can be used on cotton, viscose, linen, bamboo and kapok. They can also be used on wool.
The color range covers warm shades for products such as jeans, chinos, T-shirts, hoodies and home textiles.
FiberColors® products meet bluesign® criteria, are GOTS approved and are listed on the ZDHC Gateway with Conformance Level 3.
Orta Anadolu Launches FiberColors® Collection
Türkiye-based denim manufacturer Orta Anadolu introduced its first FiberColors® collection in April 2026.
The ORTA brand is using the dyes as part of its efforts to address wool waste. The initiative connects textile dyeing with a new use for wool that has limited commercial value.
Archroma said sheep farmers often pay to dispose of unwanted fleeces. In Europe, about three-quarters of the region’s annual wool production is wasted.
The company can produce 10 kg of liquid FiberColors® from 1 kg of wool waste. This helps turn unwanted wool into an industrial feedstock.
Building on EarthColors® Innovation
FiberColors® is linked to Archroma’s long-term work in sulfur dye innovation at its Castellbisbal plant in Spain.
The R&D team behind FiberColors® also developed EarthColors®. Launched in 2017, EarthColors® uses plant residue from the herbal and food industries.
Archroma said EarthColors® has been adopted by more than 50 global brands. The technology has helped upcycle more than 60 tonnes of plant residue.
The ICIS Innovation Awards recognize innovations that create impact and support sustainability across the chemicals and energy sectors.
