Huue, a San Francisco-based developer of sustainable bio-based dyes has so far raised $17.6 million in funding to speed its commercial scale-up.

Using a proprietary bio-based process, Huue produces indigo that is just as effective for denim as conventional solutions, without the environmental impact and harmful chemicals. The company’s enzymatically produced dye mimics how colours are produced in nature and as a bio-based technology, slots into the existing denim manufacturing process as a one-to-one solution.

Huue has announced a bio-manufacturing partnership with Agile BioFoundry and is partnering with Ginkgo Bioworks to accelerate commercialisation. The company’s first focus is indigo for denim, the most common apparel item in the world, but the potential of the technology is said to extend beyond indigo and the fashion industry, with potential future applications forr food and beverage and personal care companies.

“The world can’t wait for sustainable solutions and consumers are starting to hold their favorite brands accountable for using eco-friendly materials in their products,” said Michelle Zhu, CEO of Huue. “We’ve developed a way to tap into biology’s artistry to create clean colour solutions – without the environmental impact and harmful chemicals. We’re excited to have the opportunity to accelerate with support from our existing and new investors, who share our vision for a sustainable and scalable future for consumer goods.” 

“At Material Impact, we seek out deep tech innovation that has the capacity to solve meaningful world problems,” said Corinna Chen, partner at investor Material Impact. “Huue’s breakthrough approach to bio-based dye manufacturing is a true gamechanger for industries under mounting pressure to minimise their environmental footprint. The market entry is perfectly timed, and we are thrilled to be partnering with this talented team to scale up and commercialise the dye of the future.”

www.huue.bio