SAGES secures £190K funding to scale eco-friendly dyes made from food waste

Founded by Emily Taylor and Alice Simpson, SAGES aims to cut the fashion and textile industry’s dependence on petroleum- and coal-based dyes, which contribute to about 20% of global wastewater and cause serious environmental harm.

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The company develops biodegradable, water-soluble dyes made from food waste such as onion skins, coffee, blueberries, red cabbage, and avocados. These dyes can be used with existing dyeing systems and have been successfully tested on different fibres for durability and colour fastness.

SAGES has already worked with designers and brands, including Patrick McDowell at London Fashion Week, James Burleigh, and Bananatex.

The new funding will help SAGES expand its dye range, improve production systems, and form partnerships with manufacturers and designers. It will also support the company’s shift from lab-scale innovation to large-scale commercial use in fashion, interiors, and industrial textiles.

About SAGES

SAGES usually refers to a London-based startup that makes sustainable, bio-based dyes from food waste. However, the name “Sages” or “Sage” can also refer to other companies, including a well-known UK software firm. The startup develops biochemical dyeing processes that extract natural colour from onion skins, blueberries, avocados, and other food waste to create biodegradable dyes. SAGES has also presented its work at industry events and collaborated with eco-friendly brands to promote sustainable dyeing solutions.