BlackyBlack

Black is one of the most widely used colors in products ranging from textiles and packaging to plastics and food. Currently, it is predominantly produced from fossil-based carbon black, which is linked to high CO₂ emissions and environmental impact. For many SMEs, transitioning to sustainable alternatives is both a market opportunity and a technical challenge.
The BlackyBlack project, led by Avans University of Applied Sciences, is a practice-based collaboration in which researchers, students, and SMEs jointly develop a portfolio of bio-based black pigments with strong color performance and industrial applicability. The project focuses on renewable pigment systems such as biochar from plant-based residues, fungal melanin produced via precision fermentation, and hybrid or structurally enhanced pigments that intensify blackness through material design.
A central element of the project is co-creation with SMEs. In a structured “test–improve–test” approach, pigments are developed and directly validated in real products within partner companies in fashion (textiles and leather), polymers (films and adhesives), and food (e.g. pasta, licorice, ice cream). This ensures that the results address concrete technical questions related to processing, product quality, and regulatory requirements.
The project delivers standardized preparation protocols, performance data, application guidelines, and prototypes tailored to SME needs. Students are actively involved through applied research assignments, strengthening knowledge transfer between education and professional practice.
By combining applied research, SME collaboration, and education, BlackyBlack contributes to practical, scalable solutions that support SMEs in transitioning toward circular and low-carbon color systems.