Algae-Based Pigment Recognized Among TIME's Best Inventions of 2026

Living Ink Technologies has been named among TIME magazine’s Best Inventions of 2026 for its development of a renewable black pigment made from algae and other biological waste streams.

The Colorado-based company’s Algae Black technology is already being used in commercial applications by brands including Patagonia, New Balance, and Stella McCartney, providing an alternative to conventional petroleum-derived carbon black in textiles, apparel, packaging, and other products.

Algae Black is produced using a process that converts underutilised agricultural, food, and industrial waste into high-performance pigments. This technology aims to reduce dependence on fossil-based colorants while creating new value from organic waste streams.

Living Ink's pigments are described as carbon-negative and can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes without requiring changes to equipment. This compatibility is central to its commercial strategy, allowing manufacturers to substitute conventional carbon black with a bio-based alternative.

The recognition comes as textile and apparel manufacturers face increasing pressure to address the environmental impact of dyes and pigments, with Living Ink's technology offering potential applications beyond textiles, including cosmetics and plastics.