Building on its 2024 acquisition of textile chemistry and performance additives company Avocet, Manchester, UK-based John Hogg Technical Solutions has made a significant minority equity investment in SwitchDye, a University of Leeds spin-out.
SwitchDye has developed a CO2-responsive, drop-in dyeing system that reduces chemical intensity, energy use and water consumption in dyeing polyester and other synthetic fibers. The partnership will support SwitchDye’s scale-up and industrial validation across real-world mill environments.
“SwitchDye’s pioneering approach to polyester dyeing will help to drive a more circular and sustainable textile industry,” said Nick Plant, pro-vice-chancellor of research and innovation at the University of Leeds. “This is another example of the outstanding talent that exists within our research community and our strength in nurturing and supporting innovation in new technologies.”
Through this partnership, John Hogg will provide technical input, manufacturing and stewardship expertise and access to customer networks to help SwitchDye move from lab to mill scale.
Technology and impact
SwitchDye has redesigned dye chemistry to enable commercial-scale textile dyeing using carbonated water. Its CO2-responsive system drives color into the fiber while minimizing the need for auxiliary chemicals. According to the company, tests show it can remove additives that typically account for up to 90% of total chemical mass, without compromising standard performance. The technology is designed as a drop-in for common dyehouse equipment, allowing mills to keep using existing machinery.
The company states it can also streamline operations by reducing rinse stages and shortening machine time, in turn lowering resource use compared to conventional polyester dyeing, including around 40% less water and meaningful energy savings. Because the process is reversible, color can be removed more easily at end of life, supporting textile-to-textile recycling.
“The partnership with SwitchDye marks the start of an inspiring journey with the potential to improve the future of textile manufacturing for many years to come,” said John Hogg chief technology officer Sam Walton. “At John Hogg, we have always taken pride in understanding the needs of our customers and the evolving demands of the market. Being part of an innovation that delivers a true step forward in sustainable dyeing technology is something we are genuinely excited about. We also see clear alignment between our businesses.”
Next steps
SwitchDye will run a structured pilot with selected dyehouses and brand supply chains over the coming months. The trials will validate performance at mill scale, confirm drop-in integration with existing equipment and quantify reductions in auxiliary chemicals, water, energy and cycle time against each mill’s current process. They will also assess color quality, fastness and reproducibility, and capture operator feedback to inform training and standard operating procedures.
John Hogg will support throughout scale-up with on-site technical assistance, process optimization, product stewardship and regulatory guidance, with commercial onboarding where appropriate.
