Australian scientists say they’ve made a breakthrough they believe could transform the global textiles industry. They’ve discovered how to grow colored cotton naturally, a move that could bring sustainability in the fashion industry.
The scientists in Canberra are also developing ‘super’ cotton that is stronger and more elastic.
“So, cotton is naturally white, but having the cotton plant produce its own coloured fiber is a game changer,” claims Dr. Colleen MacMillan from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
Plant bio-tech scientists at CSIRO in Canberra inserted genes into white cotton.
“Beautiful bright yellows, sort of goldeny-orangy colors, through to some really deep, purple type colors as well,” says plant scientist Filomena Pettolino.
Tobacco plants were bred with coloured genes. It’s proof that the leaves – and crucially the fiber – of this hi-tech cotton could also be colored.
While it’ll be some months before the plants are ready to flower, Australia’s cotton industry is excited by the breakthrough.
“The use of dyes is something that can have an impact on the environment, so to move to cotton that was naturally colored through these scientific techniques would be a wonderful improvement and further enhance those green credentials,” says Adam Kay from Cotton Australia.
The scientists have other goals in sight, including wrinkle-free cotton that doesn’t need ironing and elastic-type cotton that can compete with synthetic fibers.
“If we manage to make these amazing fibers that we’re chasing, this can really have the potential to transform the global textile industry,” claims Dr. MacMillan.
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