John Hogg Backs SwitchDye’s CO2-Responsive Dyeing Technology to Advance Sustainable Textiles
Manchester, UK – April 2026 – John Hogg Technical Solutions has announced a strategic minority equity investment in SwitchDye Limited, a University of Leeds spin-out.
This vital partnership aims to rapidly scale SwitchDye's pioneering CO2-responsive, drop-in dyeing system, answering the urgent industry need to significantly reduce chemical intensity, energy use, and water consumption in the dyeing of polyester and other synthetic fibres.
The commercial-scale textile dyeing process uses carbonated water to drive colour into the fibre, eliminating the need for auxiliary chemicals that typically account for up to 90 percent of total chemical mass.
Crucially, the technology functions as a drop-in solution for standard dyehouse equipment, enabling mills to implement these sustainable changes immediately without abandoning existing machinery.
Harrison Oates, Chief Technology Officer at SwitchDye, said, “Partnering with John Hogg gives us the technical expertise and industry reach to move from lab success into consistent, real-world application.
Over the coming months, we’ll be working closely with dyehouses and brands to demonstrate how the technology integrates into existing equipment and delivers measurable savings.”
The innovative system streamlines operations by reducing rinse stages and shortening machine time, resulting in approximately 40 percent less water usage and meaningful energy savings compared to conventional polyester dyeing.
Because the process is entirely reversible, colour can be easily removed at the end of the garment's life, championing genuine textile-to-textile recycling and a circular economy.
Sam Walton, Chief Technical Officer at John Hogg, commented, “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. At John Hogg, we have always taken pride in understanding our customers’ needs 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, with John Hogg’s wider capabilities helping to accelerate SwitchDye’s path to commercialisation.”
Professor Nick Plant, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Leeds, added, “Switchdye’s pioneering approach to polyester dyeing will help to drive a more circular and sustainable textile industry. 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.”
SwitchDye is set to commence structured pilots with selected dyehouses and brand supply chains to validate performance at mill scale, quantify resource reductions, and ensure colour fastness and reproducibility.
About John Hogg and SwitchDye
Headquartered in Manchester, UK, its portfolio spans high-specification colour solutions for lubricants, greases, and textiles.
The system is designed to be auxiliary-free, drop-in compatible with existing dyehouse equipment, and reversible to support circularity.
