School of Chemistry polyester dye spinout SwitchDye secures industry partner

University of Leeds spinout SwitchDye has secured investment to scale up its greener polyester dye technology.

SwitchDye has created a drop-in dyeing system using fizzy water that enables textile manufacturers to reduce chemical intensity, energy use, and water consumption.

A significant minority equity investment from John Hogg Technical Solutions will now support the spinout’s industrial validation in working mill environments.

John Hogg will provide technical input, manufacturing and stewardship expertise, along with access to customer networks to help SwitchDye move from lab to mill at pace.

SwitchDye’s pioneering approach to polyester dyeing will help to drive a more circular and sustainable textile industry.

Polyester makes up more than half of all global fibre output. Dyeing fibre is highly energy-intensive and consumes 600 billion liters of water every year across the globe.

Textile production is estimated to account for about 20% of global clean water pollution, and polyester dyeing alone releases around 280,000 tonnes of dye and other chemicals annually.

Professor Nick Plant, Pro-Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation at the University of Leeds, said: “SwitchDye’s pioneering approach to polyester dyeing will help to drive a more circular and sustainable textile industry.

“This is another example of the outstanding talent that exists within our research community and our strength in nurturing and supporting innovation in new technologies.”

Technology and impact

Born from an ongoing collaboration between the Schools of Design and Chemistry at Leeds, SwitchDye’s team includes researchers and co-founders Professor Chris Rayner from the School of Chemistry, alongside Dr Nathaniel Crompton, Dr Harrison Oates, and Professor Richard Blackburn.

The new dyes were synthesised in the Wolfson CO2 laboratory in the School of Chemistry and then transferred to the facilities at the University’s School of Design and the Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour (LITAC), where the team conducted rigorous tests to demonstrate how SwitchDye’s system can remove additives that typically account for up to 90% of chemicals, without compromising performance.

The technology is designed as a drop‑in for common dyehouse equipment, allowing mills to keep using their existing machinery.

In addition to the chemical savings and reduction in waste, the new dyeing system can also streamline operations by reducing rinse stages and shortening machine time, using 40% less water, and saving on energy. The dyes can also be removed more easily at the end of the products’ life, supporting fibre-to-fibre recycling.

The University’s commercialisation team worked alongside SwitchDye to make investor introductions and provided funding to help the team achieve commercial validation.

Dr Harrison Oates, Chief Technology Officer at SwitchDye, said: “Partnering with John Hogg gives us the technical expertise and industry reach to move from lab success into consistent, real-world application.

“Over the coming months, we’ll be working closely with dyehouses and brands to demonstrate how the technology integrates into existing equipment and delivers measurable savings.”

Sam Walton, Chief Technical Officer at John Hogg, said: “The partnership with SwitchDye marks the start of an inspiring journey with the potential to improve the future of textile manufacturing for many years to come.

“At John Hogg, we have always taken pride in understanding our customers’ needs and the evolving demands of the market.

“Being part of an innovation that delivers a true step forward in sustainable dyeing technology is something we are genuinely excited about. We also see clear alignment between our businesses, with John Hogg’s wider capabilities helping to accelerate SwitchDye’s path to commercialisation.”

Further information

• For media enquiries, please contact Richard Abbott in the University of Leeds press office at R.Abbott1@leeds.ac.uk.
• Photo caption: (Back row, left to right) SwitchDye co-founders Dr Nathaniel Crompton and Dr Harrison Oates; Sam Walton, Chief Technical Officer, John Hogg. (Front row, left to right) Professor Richard Blackburn, School of Design; Philip Double, chief executive, John Hogg; and Professor Chris Rayner, School of Chemistry.
• John Hogg is a market leader in fuel marking and specialty chemical technologies, supplying governments and industry for over 40 years across 70+ countries. The Manchester-based company’s Speciality Dyes & Chemicals portfolio spans high‑specification colour solutions for lubricants, greases, textiles and more.