South East Angels Backs Sages, transforming the £2.9bn Textile Dyes Industry
South East Angels has invested in Sages, a London-based cleantech startup developing biodegradable dyes from food waste that are set to disrupt the global textile colourant market.
Founded by Emily Taylor and Alice Simpson, Sages is addressing one of fashion's most overlooked environmental challenges: synthetic dyes. Currently, petroleum-derived chemicals contribute to 80% of the fashion industry's emissions and account for 20% of global wastewater pollution. Over 800,000 tonnes are produced annually from non-renewable sources.
Sages has developed a patented bio-chemical process that extracts phytochemicals from food waste streams, to create industry-ready powder dyes. The result being non-toxic, biodegradable dyes that reduce CO2 emissions by 90% compared to conventional synthetic alternatives. Their dyes have already passed rigorous industry standards for UV and wash fastness, can be used as a drop-in solution with existing machinery, and reach cost parity at scale by sourcing raw materials from food waste.
The company has already secured commercial traction with partnerships spanning luxury fashion houses, major dye houses, and innovative textile brands.
"Alice and I worked in the industry for a combined 15 years before founding Sages and witnessed both the damage synthetic dyes cause and the lack of easily adoptable solutions," explains Emily Taylor, CEO and Co-Founder. South East Angels funding will help us to scale our impact and bring sustainable colour to industries that urgently need alternatives."
Jake Fox, Syndicate Lead for South East Angels, commented: "Sages is tackling a massive environmental problem with a solution that's both scientifically robust and commercially viable. Emily and Alice have deep industry expertise and have proven their technology works for current industrial players. Sages is perfectly positioned to become the go-to solution for sustainable colour in multiple industries."
Find out more about Sages.
