Swedish Tech Startup Vividye Brings Eco-Friendly Textile Pigments to Cosmetics

Swedish Tech Startup Vividye Brings Eco-Friendly Textile Pigments to Cosmetics, offering a groundbreaking approach to sustainable coloring in beauty products. Vividye, a Swedish deep-tech startup, is transitioning its environmentally friendly textile dyes into the cosmetic industry. Unlike traditional dyes, which use small molecules that can penetrate materials, Vividye’s functionalized pigments consist of larger particles that adhere to surfaces without dissolving in water.

“Traditionally, modifying the characteristics of pigments has involved coating them in polymer films, essentially plastics,” explains the company on its website. “Our technology eliminates the need for plastics, resulting in a completely plastic-free solution.”

At the heart of this innovation is a combination of advanced surface chemistry and precision engineering. Vividye specializes in modifying pigment properties with meticulous attention to detail, tailoring them to meet specific application needs. This includes enhancing color intensity, durability, and versatility—revolutionizing the way pigments are used in various industries.

Swedish Tech Startup Vividye Brings Eco-Friendly Textile Pigments to Cosmetics through pigments that are not only safer but also more sustainable. The larger size of these pigments ensures that they do not penetrate the skin or hair, making them safer for personal care applications. Additionally, their size makes them easier to filter out of water, minimizing potential health and environmental risks.

The company’s technology is adaptable, offering vibrant, long-lasting colors suitable for a wide range of applications, from hair coloring to makeup and lipstick. Unlike conventional pigments, which are often derived from rare minerals or fossil-based, synthetic sources—raising sustainability and ethical concerns—Vividye’s pigments are made from abundant, non-fossil-based materials that are readily available and do not require extraction from conflict zones.

Swedish Tech Startup Vividye Brings Eco-Friendly Textile Pigments to Cosmetics, marking a significant step in the company’s journey. Since its founding in 2020, Vividye has focused on developing colorants that minimize harm to both people and the planet. Initially focused on textiles, the company has already gained recognition for its innovations, even winning the H&M & Elle Conscious Award.

“Moving into cosmetics felt like a natural next step,” said Johanna Nissén Karlsson, CEO of Vividye. “The cosmetics industry faces distinct challenges, including stringent regulatory demands and high consumer expectations for product safety and environmental sustainability. Our technology offers a better alternative to traditional dyes, and we’ve seen a growing need for this in products that people use on their skin and hair.”

Pontus Ottosson, CEO and head of investment at Chalmers Ventures, also expressed support for Vividye’s expansion into cosmetics: “Vividye’s approach to sustainable coloring is both innovative and practical. Expanding into cosmetics shows their ability to adapt and meet the needs of different industries. We’re proud to support them as they take this next step.”