Tinctorium has created a proprietary bio-synthesized dye solution that can eliminate the need for toxic chemicals in the color production process. The company is creating a proprietary bio-synthesized dye solution that can eliminate the need for toxic chemicals in the color production process. Tinctorium uses fermentation biotechnology in order to grow blue dye. It programs and grows naturally occurring bacteria in order to produce the relevant color. The bacteria is fed with sugar which allows them to grow, and the bacteria are programmed to specifically secrete an indigo precursor. The company then combines the precursor with an enzyme to create a direct glucose indigo solution that can be directly applied to yarns using existing equipment as a substitute for indigo dyes. The entire fermentation process happens in less than a couple of days. The dye is also easier to purify and is sustainable.

Indigo production masks the darker side of denim manufacturing. Over 99 per cent of the industry uses a petrochemical yeast synthesize dye solution. Even factory explosions happen regularly as part of the dye creation process and pollution in both the way that things are produced as well as in the dye application process and in waste water.