Algae. Photo by Oleksandr Sushko on Unsplash

The future of color is growing right under our noses—or rather, in vats of nutrient-rich water. Algae-based paints are emerging as an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional pigments, which are often derived from petroleum and other non-renewable resources. This shift is not just a trend; it’s a significant move toward a more environmentally friendly and circular economy in the world of art and design.

How the Technology Works

The magic of algae-based pigments lies in their natural ability to produce vibrant colors. Algae, particularly microalgae, are single-celled organisms that carry out photosynthesis, a process that requires them to produce various pigments. These pigments are the same ones that give algae their distinctive hues. For example, green pigments come from chlorophyll, blue from phycocyanin, and a range of reds, yellows, and oranges from carotenoids like astaxanthin.

The production process for these paints is fascinating and generally follows a few key steps:

Cultivation: Microalgae are grown in controlled, closed-loop systems, such as large bioreactors. This allows companies to optimize conditions like light, temperature, and nutrient levels to maximize pigment yield. This cultivation process is far more water-efficient than traditional plant-based dyes and can be done on non-arable land, reducing pressure on agricultural resources.Harvesting and Extraction: Once the algae have grown, they are harvested, typically through methods like centrifugation or filtration, to separate the biomass from the water. The pigments are then extracted from the algae cells. The extraction process is carefully controlled, often using eco-friendly solvents like ethanol, to ensure the resulting pigments are pure and stable. Some companies have even developed processes to use the whole algae as a pigment, eliminating the need for a separate extraction step and further reducing waste.Formulation: The extracted pigments are then milled into a fine powder or a liquid dispersion. This pigment is then combined with a suitable binder and other additives to create a usable paint. Companies are constantly innovating to ensure these paints have the same high-performance qualities—such as durability, lightfastness, and color intensity—as their conventional counterparts.

The environmental benefits of this process are substantial. Algae production is carbon-negative, meaning it sequesters more CO2 than is emitted during production. Additionally, it significantly reduces water usage and eliminates the need for toxic, petroleum-based ingredients that are common in traditional paints.

Companies Leading the Way

Several pioneering companies are bringing algae-based paints and pigments to market, demonstrating the technology’s commercial viability and potential for widespread adoption. One of the most prominent players is Living Ink Technologies. The company specializes in creating black pigments from discarded algae cells, offering a sustainable alternative to carbon black, a pigment typically derived from fossil fuels and classified as a carcinogen. Living Ink’s products are used not only in paints but also in inks, plastics, and even cosmetics.

Another notable company is Gruppo Boero, an Italian paint and varnish manufacturer that partnered with Tolo Green to create “Spirulina Paint,” a high-quality, water-based interior paint with a natural pigment derived from spirulina microalgae. This paint was famously used for the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai.

With ongoing research and development, the color palette derived from algae is expanding beyond greens and blues to include a full spectrum of natural shades. As consumers and industries alike prioritize sustainability, algae-based paints are poised to become a mainstream solution for a more beautiful and eco-conscious world.

This video shows how to make your own eco-friendly watercolor paint using spirulina algae and other natural materials. Making Algae Milk Paint