SAGES, a London-based startup developing sustainable dye alternatives, announced it has received £190,000 funding from British Design Fund to accelerate the commercialisation of its colour technology derived from food waste.
Founded by Emily Taylor and Alice Simpson, who met whilst studying at London College of Fashion, SAGES was created with a mission to eliminate toxic synthetic dyes from global supply chains.
Synthetic dyes, derived from petroleum and coal tar, are responsible for around 20% of global wastewater and contribute to widespread environmental damage. SAGES offers a like-for-like replacement with water-soluble, biodegradable dyes made from food waste, designed to integrate seamlessly into existing dyeing processes.
The company’s patented dye formulations are derived from six waste streams - red onion skin, yellow onion skin, coffee, blueberry, red cabbage and avocado. They have been successfully tested across cellulose and protein fibres, achieving industry-standard results for UV and wash fastness.
Recent collaborations include custom colour development for Patrick McDowell’s London Fashion Week collection, countertop surfaces with James Burleigh, and fibre dyeing trials with Bananatex and Story Mfg.
The funding from British Design Fund will support product development, pilot-scale production, and strategic partnerships across fashion, interiors, and industrial textiles. It will help SAGES transition from lab-scale innovation to commercial deployment, as it focuses on expanding its dye palette, refining production systems, and deepening partnerships with manufacturers and designers.
