Algae Black has a verified carbon-negative footprint
Living Ink is a science-led company transforming algae and other biomass waste into carbon-negative pigments and bio-based inks. Founded by Stevan Albers and Scott Fulbright during their PhD research at Colorado State University, the company was born from a simple yet powerful question—why rely on petroleum-based pigments when nature offers sustainable alternatives? By harnessing algae waste streams and turning them into high-performance pigments, Living Ink is pioneering waste-to-value solutions that combine scientific rigour with environmental responsibility. Today, with partnerships spanning global brands and industries, the company is reshaping the future of colour through innovation, scalability, and a carbon-negative footprint. Speaking to Fibre2Fashion, Director of Partnerships & Growth Devon Murrie shares insights into the journey, technology, and vision driving Living Ink.
What inspired the founding of Living Ink, and how did you identify biomass waste—specifically algae—as a viable source for pigment production?
Living Ink was founded by our CEO Scott Fulbright and CTO Steve Albers, who met while studying algae in a PhD program at Colorado State University. Scott’s background in marine biology and Steve’s in sustainable innovation led them to question the petroleum base in everyday materials—starting with a simple greeting card. That curiosity sparked the discovery that algae waste from other industries could be upcycled into a high-performance, carbon-negative pigment.
Can you explain the core technology behind ‘Algae Black’ and how it differs from conventional carbon black in both formulation and environmental impact?
‘Algae Black’ is our carbon-negative black pigment made entirely from algae waste, rather than fossil fuels. We partner with industrial algae farms to collect their nutrient-rich biomass byproduct—material that would otherwise be sent to landfill—capturing it at its ‘green powder’ stage.
At our facility, the algae waste undergoes a proprietary production process that includes pelletising, pyrolysis, and precision refinement. The result is a finely milled, high-performance pigment powder that matches the quality and versatility of conventional carbon black.
Unlike carbon black, which relies on petroleum feedstocks and emits CO₂ during production, Algae Black is produced through a fully domestic, transparent supply chain and has a verified carbon-negative footprint—sequestering more carbon than it emits across its lifecycle.
How does your pyrolysis process work, and what makes it scalable and cost-effective compared to traditional pigment manufacturing?
Our pyrolysis process is similar to the method used to create biochar, optimised for pigment production. We start with algae waste powder, pelletise it, and then heat it in the absence of oxygen. This thermal conversion transforms the biomass into a stable, carbon-rich pigment base.
With the close of our latest funding round, we are building our own on-site pyrolysis facility. Bringing this step in-house will vertically integrate our production, significantly reducing costs, lead times, and energy use while ensuring tighter quality control and scalability compared to traditional pigment manufacturing.
How do you source and select biomass feedstocks, and what role does regional availability and quality play in your supply chain strategy?
Our current commercial feedstock comes from Earthrise Nutritionals, a spirulina microalgae farm in Southern California, where we upcycle their nutrient-rich waste material. We are also working with AB InBev to test brewery fermentation waste here in Colorado—just miles from our headquarters—which offers a significant carbon savings by eliminating long-haul transport.
Beyond these, we have successfully tested a range of potential inputs, including other industrial fermentation wastes, pharmaceutical byproducts, municipal waste streams, and paper pulp residues. Each feedstock is evaluated for pigment yield, quality, and processing efficiency.
As we scale, our on-site pilot pyrolysis plant will not only expand capacity but also serve as the model for future mobile pyrolysis units. This would allow us to produce pigment at or near the source of biomass waste—reducing transport emissions and enabling a globally distributed, regionally optimised supply chain.
Your pigments are described as carbon negative. Could you elaborate on how this environmental benefit is measured and verified across the product lifecycle?
Our Life Cycle Assessment, conducted under ISO 14040 standards with Colorado State University, confirms a carbon footprint of –4.16 kg CO₂-eq per kg of pigment. This accounts for CO₂ capture during algae growth, avoided landfill emissions, the long-term carbon stability of the pigment in solid particle form, and the displacement of fossil-based pigment. Results are pending third-party review and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to support broader market verification.
What are the biggest technical or market challenges you have faced in replacing petroleum-derived carbon black across industries like textiles, packaging, and footwear?
Technically, our biggest challenge has been that Algae Ink is only available in black. But now, our recent ability to deliver Algae Ink as part of a full CMYK print process, as demonstrated with the Crocs packaging project, now allows us to incorporate other colours while using Algae Ink as the “K” in the print set. This expands design possibilities and helps brands tell a broader sustainability story even though we currently only have black.
On the market side, one of our recurring challenges is how cost is presented. Suppliers often frame the price difference on a unit-by-unit basis, which can misrepresent the true cost delta. In reality, ink typically represents 5 per cent or less of a project’s total material cost—meaning that switching to Algae Ink has a minimal impact on the overall budget. Misunderstandings about both the compatibility of Algae Ink with other colours and its real cost impact are areas where we focus heavily on education to move brands towards adoption.
What do you see as the biggest barriers to mainstream adoption of sustainable materials across industries like fashion, packaging, and consumer goods?
Cost sensitivity, lack of awareness, and fragmented supply chains. Often, sustainable materials are assessed narrowly on price per unit instead of total impact. We are working to shift that lens by quantifying real savings—whether environmental, reputational, or regulatory. Fortunately, we already have many price parity project examples in the market as well as a growing network of approved algae ink supplier partners.
You have already partnered with global brands like Nike, Patagonia, and Coach. What has been key to building these relationships, and how do you support them in integrating Algae Ink into their supply chains?
We align early on goals, impact metrics, and technical requirements with brands, then work hands-on with their supplier networks to test, refine, and scale Algae Ink adoption. Our ability to provide verified data, beautiful print outcomes, and brand storytelling support has helped turn pilots into ongoing programmes.
How important is collaboration with larger corporations or legacy brands in accelerating the commercial success of sustainable innovations?
It is essential. These brands have the reach, influence, and infrastructure to move markets. When they adopt solutions like Algae Ink, it sends a strong signal down the value chain—and gives startups like us the scale, reduce costs, and receive the feedback needed to refine and grow. A major brand even just requesting a sample from their packaging converter or apparel manufacturer can be the small push needed to accelerate enthusiasm and urgency for our bio-based materials. The CMYK packaging partnership with Crocs is a great example of this. Their enthusiasm for Algae Ink has opened up an entirely new print process/application not only for themselves but any other interested brand and packaging converter.
What role do regulatory policies or government incentives play in shaping the growth of bio-based materials and circular solutions?
They are increasingly influential—especially policies that price carbon, ban PFAS or toxic pigments, or require disclosure of material origins. Incentives for bio-based innovation can help level the playing field and accelerate investment in sustainable alternatives. We participate in many grants funded programmes and see a lot of interest from local municipalities in our waste reduction capabilities.
How do you balance the pressure to scale quickly with the need to maintain environmental integrity and product performance?
We have very open conversations with our brand partners often asking them for forecasted volumes or to sign LOIs for future pigment commitments. Having the level of farsightedness helps our team to plan responsibly for the growing demand. We also work hard to vet the brands and suppliers we select to invest time and energy into, aligning ourselves with groups that share our same vision. We have turned down opportunities that did not fit with our goals or current focus areas.
Looking ahead, how do you envision Living Ink’s role in reshaping the global pigment and colourant market, particularly in the context of circular economy and sustainability regulations?
We see Living Ink leading the transition away from petroleum-based black across key material markets. As sustainability regulations tighten and brands demand more circular solutions, carbon-negative pigments like Algae Black will become a strategic differentiator—both for compliance and consumer trust.
In your view, what trends or technologies will define the next decade of innovation in sustainable manufacturing and material science?
I expect to see growth in waste-to-value platforms, bio-derived colourants and additives, and greater transparency between brand and manufacturer. I think historically, safer, bio-based colourants have been seen as a ‘nice-to-have’ to baseline in product development, with fibres and substrates taking up the majority focus or budget for innovation teams. We are starting to see a big shift in that mindset.
