Dutch Startup Turns Seaweed into Sustainable Textile Dyes

Editor/Mohamed Shihab

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Backed by European innovation funding, Zeefier is challenging the global textile industry by replacing fossil-based colorants with biodegradable alternatives derived from marine resources.

A Netherlands-based startup, Zeefier, is gaining attention for transforming an unlikely resource—seaweed—into environmentally friendly textile dyes. Founded in 2020 after nearly a decade of research and development, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable innovation in the fashion and textile sectors.

With support from the EU’s BlueInvest program, Zeefier is now scaling its operations and aiming to introduce its algae-based dyes to dye houses worldwide, offering a practical solution to one of the industry's most overlooked environmental issues.

The unseen cost of synthetic dyes

Petroleum-based dyes dominate the textile industry, coloring everything from everyday clothing to home furnishings. However, their environmental footprint remains largely invisible to consumers.

Derived from fossil fuels, these synthetic dyes are not only persistent pollutants but also hinder the recyclability and biodegradability of otherwise natural materials such as cotton, wool, and linen. Once applied, they effectively lock pollution into the product lifecycle.

“When you look at a label, it tells you the fabric - cotton, wool, linen - but it never tells you where the colour comes from,” said Anne Boermans, co-founder of Zeefier. “I can guarantee you that in almost all cases, it’s petrol-based.”

Addressing this “hidden polluter” has become a central mission for the company.

A sea-based solution with industrial compatibility

Zeefier’s innovation lies not only in its use of marine biomass but also in its seamless integration into existing industrial systems. The company has developed a “plug-and-play” dye solution that meets current dye-house standards, eliminating the need for costly infrastructure changes.

Its growing palette includes natural shades such as browns, greens, reds, and greys, all derived from seaweed. Importantly, textiles treated with these dyes remain 100% biodegradable, supporting the transition toward a circular economy.

Historically, natural dyes were sourced from land-based plants and insects. Zeefier’s approach diverges by tapping into ocean resources, which remain largely underutilized outside the food sector.

“There is so much seaweed, and it is used mostly for food,” Boermans explained. “We realised it could also play an important role in the non-food sector.”

While currently more prevalent in the premium textile segment, Zeefier’s dyes are compatible with mainstream applications, broadening their potential impact.

Investment support accelerates growth

In 2025, Zeefier participated in the BlueInvest Investment Readiness Assistance program, where it received tailored coaching to refine its fundraising strategy.

“The programme really made a difference for us,” said Boermans. “We were really lucky with our mentor, Flo Janin. She’s not only very motivating, but she really helped us structure our entire investment round. It also helped that there was always fresh input and someone challenging our thinking in a constructive way.”

Now actively raising capital to expand production and market reach, Zeefier exemplifies how blue economy innovation can address systemic environmental challenges.

By turning the spotlight on the environmental cost of color, the company is offering a tangible path forward—one where the future of textiles could quite literally be dyed in shades of the sea..