Frances’ Startup, PILI- a Connoisseur of “Organic” Dyes
“Today, most of the colorants are petrochemical and have a disastrous environmental impact”, says Thomas Landrain, one of the company’s three co-founders. “Yet there are other processes we can choose, such as biological synthesis by fermentation. Living organisms know how to synthesize complex molecules. Like with beer production, where the yeast is formed on a substrate, we can opt for bacteria that are natural organisms, especially the Streptomyces. We use microorganisms’ ability to secrete colorants. It takes just a few days, at 25 to 30 °C, without any need for heating”.
The French startup, PILI Biotech, produces- rather “grows” ink from natural bacteria – and not from petrochemical by-products, full of toxic pigments that are difficult to recycle. Founded in 2015, the biotech sprung out of curiosity. “It started with curiosity and patience. One day I went into a cellar at this biohacking space. I think I was the first guy who arrived in a suit and tie, as I was doing an internship at an investment bank at the time, but was curious about biotech,” explained CEO, Jeremie Blache in an interview with Labiotech.
“My co-founders, who are biologists, did a workshop on how to produce ink from sugar thanks to microbes. We had a lot of success. The public was in love with the idea and a few industrial actors were also interested in this concept. So we made a first business plan and entered a few startup competitions. This was really important as it allowed us to structure our business plan and gain some early stage cash.”
The firm started out from scratch with no IP and no tech. It is also one of the biotech that are tapping into the crowdfunding space. “It shows people are interested in this kind of innovation from the fashion industry,” he said. “We feel support from both the industry and consumers,” Blache says.
Blache expanded on why the production of modern synthetic dye is an environmental issue: “The problem is that the source is a fossil material, it’s polluting to extract and the process to convert this fossil source of carbon to colors is problematic and very consuming in terms of energy. Especially in Asia, where these colorants are used a lot. Now it is changing, because the Chinese government has become much more strict about pollution, but there has been a big problem for a long time.”
He explained: “Our colors are all tested to make sure that they are eco-friendly. We are not developing toxic molecules. In the past chemists didn’t do these tests because they were too costly, but now they are routine.”
The company relies on the capability of microorganisms to biosynthesise naturally complex molecules with their secondary metabolism. And their primary goal involves producing bio-inks for pens and printers. They are also looking for applications in the paint, textile and the cosmetic industries.
With its living palette, this unique French Biotech has the potential to become a universal provider of renewable living colours from Nature for the industry, and stop the damages from the latter.
Get this- how cool would it be to receive bioprinted newspapers in your letterboxes?!
